Georgetown, Guyana – Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to principles of non-expansionism and cooperation during his address at a special session of Guyana’s Parliament on Thursday. Modi highlighted India’s historical and moral stance of refraining from encroaching on others’ territories or resources, contrasting this with the global concerns over expansionist policies by some nations.
“India has never moved forward with an expansionist mindset nor harboured feelings of seizing others’ resources,” Modi stated. His remarks come at a time when tensions over territorial disputes and geopolitical conflicts, particularly involving China, have been escalating globally.
The call for global unity
Modi stressed the need for identifying and eliminating conditions that foster conflicts, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. “Today, there are so many challenges like terrorism, drugs, and cybercrime. Only by tackling these can we shape the future for coming generations,” he said.
Central to his vision is the mantra of “democracy first, humanity first”, which Modi emphasised as the foundation for global peace and progress. He highlighted that India has consistently advocated for principles of trust, transparency, and inclusivity in its foreign policy.
“If even one country or one region is left behind, global goals will remain unfulfilled. This is why India believes every nation matters,” he remarked.
Advocacy for the global South
As a voice for developing nations, Modi underscored the importance of solidarity within the Global South. “This is the time for the awakening of the Global South,” he declared. He noted the disproportionate impact of climate change on these countries, despite their limited contributions to the crisis, and called for collective efforts to address the imbalance.
“India stands in favour of global development and believes the Global South has endured significant hardships. It is crucial to ensure that the aspirations of these nations are met,” he added.
Focus on collaboration, not conflict
Rejecting the idea of global resources as points of contention, Modi advocated for cooperation in shared spaces such as the seas and outer space. “Be it space or sea, these should not be subjects of universal conflict but cooperation. This is not the time for global conflicts,” he said.
Strengthening ties with Guyana
During his historic visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian prime minister in over 50 years, Modi paid homage to the shared heritage and contributions of the Indo-Guyanese community. At the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown, he honoured Mahatma Gandhi, laying a wreath at his statue and planting a Bel patra (Aegle marmelos) sapling at the Indian Arrival Monument.
He also visited the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School, praising its role in preserving Indian cultural values and traditions. At the Arya Samaj monument, he participated in a recitation of “Ram Bhajan,” symbolising the deep spiritual connection between India and Guyana.
Addressing the National Assembly of Guyana, Modi expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him, citing shared democratic traditions, pluralism, and cultural ties as the foundation of India-Guyana relations.
Culture, cuisine, and cricket
Modi highlighted the deep connections between the two nations through cultural heritage, shared culinary traditions, and cricket, which he described as a unifying passion. “Culture, cuisine, and cricket connect India and Guyana deeply,” he said, commending the Indo-Guyanese community for their contributions to Guyana’s development.
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“You have fought for freedom and democracy, and today, you are building one of the fastest-growing economies. From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top,” he said. Calling the diaspora “rashtradoots” (ambassadors), Modi added, “You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.”
India’s inclusive growth
Highlighting India’s recent progress, Modi spoke about the nation’s rapid and sustainable development. “India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed, and sustainability. Our growth story has been both inspirational and inclusive,” he said.
Modi’s visit underscores the enduring ties between India and Guyana, with shared histories and cultural bonds strengthening their relationship. The prime minister’s call for a united and cooperative global community resonates deeply in today’s world of shifting geopolitical dynamics, as nations seek to address shared challenges together.
The prime minister’s engagements in Guyana mark a significant chapter in fostering closer ties between the two nations, while reiterating India’s role as a champion of democratic values, global cooperation, and the aspirations of the Global South.
