In a landmark moment for India-Guyana relations, PM Narendra Modi addressed the Guyanese Parliament today. The speech marked a significant chapter in the history of bilateral ties, focusing on shared heritage, global cooperation, and the evolving challenges of the modern world.
Reflecting on the history of ties between India and Guyana, PM Modi mentioned that the connection dates back 180 years, when the first Indian immigrants went to Guyana. He recalled his visit to Guyana 14 years ago saying it was a journey to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
Yesterday, Guyana conferred me with its top honour. I am thankful to all Guyanese people for this honour and I dedicate it to all the citizens of India.
Around 180 years ago, an Indian came to Guyana and ever since, in good and in bad, in every situation, India-Guyana ties have been full of cordiality.”
Around 14 years back, I came to this beautiful country as a curious person. Usually, people like to travel to dazzling places but I came here to learn the history and culture of Guyana.”
Democracy and humanity first, says PM Modi in Guyanese Parliament
PM Modi said “democracy first” and “humanity first” are guiding forces for global progress. Such principles shape the approach to decision-making, ensuring that there is a benefit to all of humanity. He pointed out India’s commitment to global welfare through its role as a “first responder” in crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing vaccines and medicines with more than 150 nations.
Today, ‘democracy first, humanity first’ is the strongest mantra to move ahead. The spirit of ‘democracy first’ teaches us to take everyone along and participate in everyone’s development. The spirit of ‘humanity first’ decides the direction of our decisions. When ‘humanity first’ is made the basis of decisions, the results prove to be beneficial for humanity.”
India is fulfilling its duties, says Narendra Modi in the Parliament
India opposes expansionism and exploitation of resources, while it promotes peace and inclusive development for all in the world. As the voice of the Global South, India wishes to bring nations together with a mantra of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” that it coined during its G20 presidency.
Following on the spirit of Democracy First, Humanity first, today, India is fulfilling its duties towards the world as a Vishwa Bandhu. Whenever a problem arises globally, India steps in as a First Responder. During the chaos of COVID-19, every country was trying to save itself. At that juncture, India shared medicines and vaccines with more than 150 countries.
We have never moved forward with the spirit of expansionism. We have always stayed away from the spirit of capturing resources, grabbing resources. Today India stands in favour of global development in every way, stands in favour of peace. With this feeling, today India has also become the voice of the Global South.”
With challenges of terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime in mind, PM Modi said that for the brighter future of generations to come the world needs to join hands and work for securing the future as this is not a time for war but for cure.
Through his speech, PM Narendra Modi again reinvented India as the potential ally in global advancement and determined efforts for nurturing peace and cooperation across the globe.
Today India stands in favour of global development in every way, and stands in favour of peace. With this feeling, today India has also become the voice of the Global South.
When it came to uniting the world, India gave the mantra of one earth, one family, one future during its G20 Presidency.”