10 deals inked as PM Modi says Guyana crucial for India's energy security

NEW DELHI: India and Guyana signed 10 MoUs, including one for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector and another in agriculture, as PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit the South American country in 56 years.

According to the Indian govt, the MoU on hydrocarbons entails sourcing of crude, collaboration in natural gas, development of infrastructure, capacity building, and sharing expertise in the entire hydrocarbon value chain.

In a joint press statement with President Irfaan Ali, PM Modi said Guyana will have an important role to play in India's energy security. "In this context, a blueprint will be prepared for long-term partnership. The MoU being signed today on this subject will further strengthen our cooperation. I am glad that Guyana is associated with initiatives taken by India like International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance," the PM said.

Modi was received at the airport by Ali and Guyana PM Mark Phillips. More than a dozen cabinet ministers joined the ceremonial welcome.

The agriculture MoU signed with Guyana seeks to promote cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors through joint activities, exchange of scientific materials, information, and personnel.

"We have had close cooperation in the field of agriculture. With millet seeds given by India last year, we were able to contribute to increasing the food security of Guyana as well as the entire region. Similarly, we will also cooperate in increasing the cultivation of rice milling, sugarcane, corn, soya and other crops," said the PM.


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