Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo met with a high-level all-party Indian parliamentary delegation on Sunday, reaffirming Guyana’s unwavering support for India’s fight against terrorism and exploring new avenues for economic and developmental cooperation.
The Indian delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and comprising members from across India’s political spectrum, arrived in Georgetown to a warm welcome from the local Indian diaspora. The visit comes at a pivotal time, following recent terror attacks in India and the country’s subsequent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
During the meeting at the presidential palace, Vice President Jagdeo expressed Guyana’s unequivocal solidarity with India. “We are against terrorism, and we believe that all those who perpetrate terrorist acts must be brought to justice,” Jagdeo stated, emphasizing Guyana’s commitment to global peace and security.
Discussions extended beyond security concerns, delving into Guyana’s rapid economic growth, fueled by recent oil and gas discoveries. Both sides explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, fintech, agriculture, and energy. Jagdeo highlighted the vast potential for Indian companies to invest and participate in Guyana’s ongoing development, noting the country’s record-breaking 30 percent annual economic growth and ongoing labour shortages that could be addressed through skilled migration from India.
The Indian delegation also met with members of the Indian diaspora and representatives of spiritual organizations, underscoring the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations. With over 40 percent of Guyana’s population tracing their roots to India, people-to-people connections remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips echoed Jagdeo’s sentiments during a separate meeting, reiterating Guyana’s condemnation of terrorism and its commitment to peaceful coexistence and the rule of law.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Guyana and India, with both nations pledging continued cooperation in the face of shared global challenges.
