Opinion | Modi’s action in the Caribbean: Deepening ties with Guyana and beyond

Last update:November 21, 2024, 12:04 PM IST

Indo-Caribbeans form the largest ethnic group in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. Their cultural and economic contributions have profoundly shaped Guyanese society, creating a natural bridge between India and the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received in Guyana by President Mohamed Irfan Ali. (MY)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the final leg of his three-nation tour that included stops in Nigeria and Brazil. Now in Guyana, Modi’s outreach to countries in the Global South continues. The visit to Guyana is particularly significant given its new oil reserves and its sizeable diaspora of Indian origin, which have piqued India’s interest.

However, the journey is not only to India’s advantage; a wide range of issues are discussed between the two nations, including energy, trade and regional security. Both sides are keenly aware of the significance of the visit, underlined by the Guyanese government which conferred Modi its highest civilian award and welcomed him with a guard of honour. This also marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in more than 56 years.

Guyana is poised to become one of the world’s leading oil producing countries. Its neighbor, Suriname, is also on the brink of its own revolution in oil and natural gas production. For India, what better region to ensure a positive energy supply chain than one that is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas?

India and Guyana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana marks the latest in a series of high-level engagements between the two nations. Last year, the President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honor for people of Indian origin.

Energy security was high on the agenda, with both sides expected to sign several energy and defense deals. India also draws on Guyana’s unique history; nearly 40% of the nation’s population is of Indian origin, including President Irfaan Ali, whose ancestors were transported by the British to the Caribbean as indentured laborers in the 19th century.

Modi will also meet other leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), an intergovernmental organization comprising 15 Caribbean nations, including Guyana, at a Caricom-India summit on Thursday. The summit will be co-chaired by Modi and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

According to Caricom, the meeting is expected to “further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Caricom and India in energy and infrastructure, agriculture and food security, health and pharmaceuticals, and technology and innovation.”

Keeping China at bay

Apart from energy security and infrastructure building, one of India’s main geopolitical challengers, China, has also been fighting for influence in the region. China’s growing presence in Guyana has become a major concern for India in the region. Beijing has strengthened its military, economic and infrastructure ties with the tiny island nation.

Guyana now holds significant importance due to its vast oil reserves and strategic location. However, as China deepens its influence, India is in a tougher race to build partnerships in the region. This competition has far-reaching effects on regional stability and the balance of power.

Chinese companies have led major projects such as the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion and the East Bank Demerara Expressway.

Guyana’s rapid economic growth, fueled by its vast oil reserves, makes it a valuable partner for India, particularly in the energy sector. With Guyana set to become one of the world’s largest oil producers by the end of the decade, India is keen to secure its share of this booming industry. Companies such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) are already exploring opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas fields.

Beyond energy, Guyana’s strategic location offers India a chance to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean, traditionally dominated by the US and Western powers. As Guyana invests in large-scale infrastructure projects, India can contribute with its expertise in technology, renewable energy and defense cooperation. In the first half of November, Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of the Defense Staff of the Guyana Defense Force, undertook a five-day tour of India to enhance defense cooperation between the two countries. Earlier this year, India delivered two Dornier-228 aircraft to Guyana.

Diaspora At Work

India and Guyana share a unique bond. Almost 40% of Guyana’s population boasts Indian heritage, descendants of indentured laborers who arrived in the 19th century. The Indian diaspora has profoundly shaped Guyanese society, contributing significantly to its economy and culture and creating a natural bridge between the two nations. PM Modi’s meeting with members of this community, recognizing their achievements and contributions, strengthened this bond.

He even took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing images and emphasizing the unwavering connection between the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.

However, it is not just about Guyana; the rest of the Caribbean is also full of the Indian diaspora. Indo-Caribbean people comprise the largest ethnic group in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname. They are the second largest group in Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

This further increases the importance and impact of an Indian Prime Minister visiting the region. Additionally, Barbados and the Dominican Republic also bestow the highest civilian honors on PM Modi.

The visit cements a growing partnership fueled by shared history, a vibrant diaspora and a mutual desire to boost each other on the world stage. While China lurks in the background, India is making its presence known, showing its seriousness about investing in the region and building long-term relationships. From energy deals to defense pacts, this trip is a clear signal: India is playing a long game in the Caribbean, and Guyana is a key player. It’s a smart move that taps into a region of huge potential and strengthens ties with a nation on the verge of becoming a major global player. This is a win for both countries and a sign of India’s growing influence on the world stage.

The opinions expressed in the piece above are personal and solely the author’s. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.