Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Guyana, delivered a historic address to the National Assembly of Guyana on Thursday, emphasizing the need for universal cooperation in space and maritime areas, rather than conflict. Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Guyanese Parliament, underscored the importance of fostering global unity and removing conditions that breed conflict.

In his speech, PM Modi recalled the long-standing historical ties between India and Guyana, noting the shared democratic values and human-centric approaches that have brought the two nations closer, despite their geographical distance. He thanked the people of Guyana for bestowing upon him the highest honor of the country and emphasized India’s commitment to peace and cooperation.

“We have never moved forward with the idea of expansionism. We have always stayed away from the idea of resource capturing,” PM Modi said, highlighting India’s stance on global issues. He further stressed that the world should focus on cooperation in space and seas, stating, “This is not time for conflict, this is the time to identify the conditions that create conflicts and remove them.”

The Prime Minister also shared India’s vision of serving humanity as “Vishwabandhu” (a friend to the world), stating that India’s approach towards global diplomacy is grounded in democracy and humanity. He called for the prioritization of women-led development and stronger exchanges between India and Guyana, particularly in the fields of education and innovation, to empower the youth and contribute to global progress.

PM Modi extended India’s steadfast support to the Caribbean region, thanking President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for hosting the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. He also emphasized the role of Guyana as a bridge of opportunities between India and Latin America. Drawing parallels between the struggles faced by both nations over the past 200-250 years, he concluded by quoting Chhedi Jagan, a prominent figure in Guyana’s history, urging that, “we have to learn from the past and improve our present and prepare a strong foundation for the future.”

This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years. During the trip, PM Modi also participated in the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit alongside leaders from Caribbean partner countries, reinforcing India’s deep commitment to strengthening ties with the region.

(With inputs from ANI)