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‘India and Guyana are connected by culture, cuisine, cricket’, says PM Modi as his 3-nation tour concludes

By News Update

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Delhi on Friday after concluding his historic visit to Guyana, where he co-chaired the India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit, held bilateral discussions and connected with Indian diaspora. This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in more than 50 years and was the final stop in his five-day tour across Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana.

Describing his visit as “warm and productive,” PM Modi reflected on the shared history and values between India and Guyana. “Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply: culture, cuisine, and cricket,” he said during an event in Guyana.

Cultural connections

The Prime Minister praised Indo-Guyanese community for their resilience and contributions to Guyana’s development. “You have fought for freedom and democracy. From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top,” he said. Calling them “rashtradoots,” or ambassadors of Indian values, he noted their unique ability to preserve Indian traditions while embracing their Guyanese identity.

“We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength,” PM Modi said.

He also highlighted the role of food and cricket in strengthening ties. “Indians traditionally carry food wherever they go. The Indo-Guyanese community has created a unique food tradition blending Indian and Guyanese elements,” he said. On cricket, he added, “It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity.”

Strengthening bilateral relations

During the CARICOM Summit, PM Modi proposed seven key areas for collaboration, including energy, agriculture, innovation, healthcare, and climate action. “Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration—from energy to enterprise, Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, and data to development,” he said.

Speaking about global challenges, PM Modi reiterated the importance of sustainable development and inclusivity. “We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises,” he noted.

Historic honour

PM Modi was awarded Guyana’s highest national honour, the ‘Order of Excellence.’ Thanking the people of Guyana, he said, “This is an honor for 1.4 billion Indians. It is also recognition of the 3 lakh-strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.”

Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, PM Modi said, “I came to this country as a traveller, full of curiosity. Today, I return as the Prime Minister of India. While much has changed, the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same.”

PM Modi highlighted the shared values of democracy, diversity, and mutual aspirations for growth. “My experience has reaffirmed—you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian,” he said.

As the visit concluded, Ministry of External Affairs MEA) described it as a testament to the “deep and enduring friendship between India and Guyana.”

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