Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname on the sidelines of the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) in Indore on Monday, strengthening India’s strong historical bonds of friendship with the countries of the Caribbean region.  

PM Modi and Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues including cooperation in energy, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology and innovation, and defence cooperation.

Both leaders recalled the 180-year-old historical bonds of friendship between the people of India and Guyana and agreed to deepen them further.

President Ali will also hold bilateral discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, and attend the Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Ceremony on Tuesday. He will also participate in the Global Investors Summit 2023 in Indore on January 11.

Before departing for home, Guyana’s President will also visit Delhi, Kanpur, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

In their meeting, PM Modi and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi held discussions on cooperation in areas of mutual interest including hydrocarbons, defence, maritime security, digital initiatives and ICT, and capacity building.

Suriname appreciated the restructuring by India of its debt arising from Lines of Credit availed by it.

President Santokhi will also hold discussions with President Murmu and attend Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Ceremony on Tuesday. He will also attend the inaugural session of the Global Investors Summit in Indore and thereafter visit Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

Also Read: You are the country’s brand ambassadors, PM Modi tells Indian diaspora