I recall that in 2018, when I came here as a Member of Parliament, I was invited by the Government of India under Prime Minister Modi to attend an international conference of Members of Parliament of Indian Origin. Guyana had the largest delegation. I think there were just over 24 or 25 Members of Parliament from Guyana, from both the Government and Opposition sides, many of whom were of Indian origin.

That was another dimension of how India was reaching out through different forums to expand its growing footprint in the international community.

Most definitely. Indian businesses have shown interest in investing in Guyana’s infrastructure and oil and gas sector, not only to purchase crude but also to invest in refining and bid for blocks where they can become involved in oil development and drilling.

At the same time, Guyana is pursuing a low-carbon development strategy. We want to target 100 per cent of our energy needs from renewable sources, although that will take a few decades. Indian companies are already playing a major role in solar projects. There is an ongoing project by Oriana Power to make Cheddi Jagan International Airport self-sufficient in renewable energy through a solar farm.

There are great avenues for investment in Guyana: renewable energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, medical services, education, hospitals and pharmaceuticals. You have spoken about Indian investment going beyond the purchase of crude.

-H.E. Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana to India