‘Guyana to buy Indian Dorniers, interested in other defence hardware’
NEW DELHI : Guyana will purchase two Dornier aircraft from India, said Capt. Gerald Gouveia, the South American nation’s National Security Adviser.The Dornier, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, suits Guyana’s needs for aircraft to improve connectivity, he said in an interview, adding Guyana is also interested in purchasing patrol vessels, a fleet of armoured vehicles and radar systems. Guyana and India will also step up personnel training to improve military-to-military contacts.
Edited excerpts: What is the state of the defence relationship between India and Guyana? This relationship is not new. A large part of our population is Indian, and our relationship with India is historical in nature. Particularly, I think that because we share some common values and principles with India, like the principles of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights, it makes it palatable to deal with India.
India and Guyana are working very closely in terms of trade, mining, agriculture and energy. The defence and security sector, where India has actually been amplifying its performance over the last many years, is becoming more and more attractive. We are not an aggressive nation, so we are not looking to project power beyond our borders, but we are particularly looking to protect our borders, protect our natural resources, waterways or mining industry and to guard against drug operations in our country.
Are there any specific capabilities you are looking to acquire from India? There was conversation about Dornier aircraft. We will be buying two of those aircraft. We are also looking at patrol ships. I met with some of the security and defence personnel yesterday, and companies, and we are looking at things like the
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