The game in Guyana: Why Modi visited this small Caribbean country
Guyana as President Irfan Ali broke the protocol to receive PM Modi at the airport. Both Guyana and Barbados, another small Caribbean country, will confer their highest national awards on Modi. People of Indian origin, the biggest ethnic group in Guyana, make up 43.5% of the population. There are around 3,20,000 people of Indian origin in Guyana, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which described it as «one of the oldest Indian diasporas, which migrated more than 185 years ago».
«Prime Minister received a rousing and colorful welcome from the Indian community and the Indo-Guyanese diaspora in the presence of several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana,» the MEA said in a statement.
However, the presence of a large Indian-origin community is not the only reason PM Modi is visiting Guyana. It may be a tiny country but it is assuming great global significance due to its huge oil reserves. Forging economic relations with smaller countries is part of Modi's agenda to bring together the Global South.
Why India is cosying up to Guyana
Guyana is being seen as one of the most critical growth areas for non-OPEC oil production. By 2026, Guyana is expected to surpass neighboring Venezuela in oil production, making it a pivotal contributor to global oil supply. The rising GDP and sudden riches can also offer a lucrative market for key exports from India.
Guyana has clocked largest GDP per capita growth in the world in recent years. The GDP grew 33% in 2023, after registering growth of 62% in 2022 and 30% in the two
