Two aircraft HAL-228 manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were delivered to Guyana on Monday (April 2024). These aircraft as reported previously by Financial Express Online would help the Caribbean nation in connecting remote areas, medical evacuation and disaster response.
These aircraft are part of the Line of Credit from India to Guyana and on Monday, Dr Amit Telang, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana welcomed the Indian Air Force (IAF) Team which was there to deliver the aircraft. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard currently employ these aircraft in their operations.
Last month a groundbreaking Defence Line of Credit (LOC) was established with the Caribbean region, marking a significant milestone. The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) facilitated this LOC amounting to USD 23.37 million. The purpose of this LOC was to procure two aircraft from India for Guyana’s defence forces, with HAL set to fulfill the contract.
The initiation of this agreement with Guyana follows the diplomatic efforts of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, particularly during the tenure of High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa. This agreement signifies the government’s commitment to fortifying Guyana’s defence capabilities, a journey that commenced with President Ali’s visit to HAL in January 2023.
Dr Ashni K Singh, representing Guyana’s government, expressed heartfelt appreciation for India’s unwavering support and encouraged further collaboration between Indian businesses and Guyana. And he had highlighted the pivotal role of cutting-edge technology in enhancing national security, specifically citing the Air Corps and Coast Guard, with the procurement of these two aircraft symbolizing a substantial investment in bolstering the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Dr Amit Telang, reiterated the profound significance of the India-Guyana relationship, underscoring the LOC agreement as a pivotal step towards deepening bilateral ties. Brigadier Omar Khan, speaking on behalf of Guyana’s defence sector, acknowledged India’s enduring contributions to defence training in Guyana, acknowledging its crucial role in shaping the nation’s defense capabilities.
The signing of the LOC agreement involved Dr Ashni K Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President for Finance and the Public Service; Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the GDF; and Sanjay Lamba, Deputy General Manager of Exim Bank. Dr Amit Telang was there symbolizing the importance of this agreement in strengthening the India-Guyana partnership.
This agreement marked Exim Bank’s 292nd Line of Credit, encompassing 62 countries globally, with a total commitment of approximately USD 2.72 billion, dedicated to financing exports from India.