Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana, combined with his participation in the second India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Summit, has marked a significant turning point in India’s diplomatic engagement with the Caribbean. From November 20-21, 2023, the Prime Minister not only reinforced India’s ties with Guyana but also laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation with CARICOM countries across the region.

Bilateral Engagement with Guyana

Upon his arrival in Guyana, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the State House in Georgetown. Both leaders underscored the historic ties between India and Guyana, with Prime Minister Modi emphasizing that his visit was poised to “add a strong impetus to the India-Guyana partnership.” The two leaders held discussions on a range of critical issues, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, trade, and capacity building.

A primary focus of their talks was Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil industry. As one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers, Guyana’s energy resources hold significant potential for India. Prime Minister Modi noted, “Guyana is a key partner in India’s energy security strategy,” and both leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in hydrocarbons, as well as renewable energy. The signing of an MoU aimed at expanding trade and cooperation in petroleum and hydrocarbon sectors underscored the importance of energy in their relationship.

Additionally, the leaders expressed a shared commitment to advancing in sectors like agriculture, digital infrastructure, and health. India pledged further support for Guyana’s development aspirations, which include areas such as food security, education, and capacity building. Prime Minister Modi assured that India would continue to assist Guyana through initiatives like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which will see an increase in the number of scholarships offered to Guyanese students.

Addressing the Indo-Guyanese community in Georgetown, Modi spoke with warmth, reflecting on his earlier visit two decades ago as a curious traveller. He remarked, “You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian,” further emphasizing the deep cultural and emotional connection between India and Guyana.

India’s Vision for CARICOM Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the second India-CARICOM Summit, held in Georgetown, was a significant opportunity to outline a comprehensive vision for future cooperation. During the summit, he presented a seven-pillar framework aimed at deepening India’s partnership with CARICOM nations. The key pillars of this framework include capacity building, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, culture, maritime security, and healthcare.

Modi’s message was clear: “India is ready to share its expertise in areas like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare with CARICOM countries,” he said, referring to the growing need for collaborative efforts to tackle regional challenges such as climate change and food security. He also called for enhanced trade and economic cooperation, and announced the addition of 1,000 new ITEC scholarship slots over the next five years to benefit CARICOM nations.

India’s role in capacity building was particularly highlighted, with Modi adding, “Through scholarships, training, and technical expertise, India will continue to assist in the capacity building of CARICOM countries.” This emphasis on human capital is a crucial element of India’s strategy to deepen its relationships with Caribbean nations.

Engagement with Caribbean Leaders: Barbados and Saint Lucia

Modi also met with leaders from other CARICOM nations, including Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia. His discussions with Mottley focused on areas such as science and technology, healthcare, education, and climate change. Modi thanked Barbados for conferring the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award upon him.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Pierre of Saint Lucia, Modi discussed bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, and healthcare. He reiterated India’s commitment to helping Saint Lucia advance its development goals. The leaders also agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration in trade, technology, and climate action.

India-CARICOM Summit: A Landmark Moment

The India-CARICOM summit was a historic event for both sides, providing a platform for high-level discussions on issues that matter most to both India and the Caribbean. The summit underscored the strategic importance of strengthening ties with CARICOM countries, especially in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change. Prime Minister Modi’s seven-pillar framework was well received by the leaders of the CARICOM nations, with each country expressing interest in building closer ties in the identified sectors.

A Whirlwind of Diplomatic Engagements

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana and participation in the India-CARICOM summit were part of a broader three nation diplomatic tour that included 31 bilateral meetings and informal interactions with leaders from around the world. In addition to his time in Guyana, Modi also met with the Presidents of Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname, as well as the leaders of Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. The bilateral discussions were wide-ranging, covering issues of trade, investment, energy, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges.

Looking Toward the Future

The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana and the CARICOM summit signal the beginning of a new phase in India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the Caribbean. Through enhanced cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, climate change, and healthcare, India and CARICOM countries are set to build a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.

As Prime Minister Modi aptly put it, “We have a shared future that we want to create.” With the seven-pillar framework in place, India is well-positioned to contribute to the sustainable development of the Caribbean, while also solidifying its role as a global partner for progress, peace, and prosperity.