The Indian-origin community in Guyana is buzzing with excitement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the Caribbean nation, where nearly 40% of the population has Indian roots.

The prime minister will attend the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, a crucial meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), aimed at renewing historical ties and expanding cooperation in various domains.

Pravinchandra Dave, a financial consultant in Guyana, expressed excitement over the economic opportunities the visit brings. He noted that Guyana’s stable currency and economy provide a competitive edge over its neighbors, making the visit a landmark event.

The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that the visit will focus on energy cooperation, as Guyana is undergoing a rapid economic transformation due to its significant oil and gas discoveries. Guyana is the fastest-growing economy globally, offering vast opportunities for collaboration, particularly in hydrocarbons, healthcare, education, and defense.

Dave also suggested that improved connectivity between India and Guyana, such as direct flights, would further strengthen ties. The Indian diaspora in Guyana plays a significant role in fostering relations between the two nations.

India’s support to Guyana includes solar lighting for 30,000 Indigenous households and two HAL-228 aircraft under a line of credit. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, an alumnus of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) fellowship program, symbolizes the enduring educational ties between the countries.

Earlier, PM Modi said that this will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in more than 50 years. He emphasized that the visit, at the invitation of President Ali, would strengthen the unique relationship between the two nations, rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. He also plans to pay respects to the Indian diaspora that has been in Guyana for over 185 years and address their Parliament.