GUYANA, Nov 20: Guyana and Barbados are set to confer their highest honours on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit. Guyana will present him with its highest national award, The Order of Excellence, while Barbados will bestow the prestigious Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados. This brings the total number of international honours received by PM Modi to 19.

The announcement of these awards comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana, which is at the invitation of Guyanese President Mohammad Irfaan Ali. In a press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that the visit will include delegation-level talks between PM Modi and President Ali. Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the MEA, emphasized the growing ties between India and Guyana, noting that President Irfaan Ali was the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023.

Mazumdar further highlighted Guyana’s status as the fastest-growing economy in the world and expressed optimism about future collaborations between India and Guyana across various sectors. “It is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and we will have opportunities for partnering with them in diverse fields,” he said.

PM Modi also expressed his excitement about the visit, noting that it would be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years. He emphasized the shared heritage, culture, and values that form the foundation of the relationship between India and Guyana. The Prime Minister also intends to pay his respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora communities, which migrated to Guyana more than 185 years ago. Additionally, he will engage with the fellow democracy and address the Guyanese Parliament during the visit.