Investment in Guyana Defence Force
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Government has signed a Line of Credit (LOC) Agreement worth US $23.27 million with the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) for the procurement of two aircraft.
Government’s Commitment
The government of Guyana is investing heavily in strengthening the capabilities of the GDF, particularly in specialized wings such as the Air Corps and the Coast Guard.
Strategic Partnership
This investment underscores New Delhi’s commitment to modernizing and equipping the GDF for evolving security challenges in the region. The agreement also signifies India’s continued commitment to bolstering GDF capabilities, following President Irfan Ali’s visit to India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The procurement agreement was signed between Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President of Guyana, and Sanjay Lamba, Deputy General Manager of the Line of Credit Group at Indian EXIM Bank.
Key Acquisitions
The acquisition of two aircraft under this agreement marks the largest-ever investment in the capitalization of the force, reflecting a pivotal moment in Guyana’s defense modernization efforts. This strategic move aligns with the broader cooperation between the two nations, as evidenced by the $100 million line of credit extended to Guyana during the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
Capacity Building Initiatives
India’s commitment to capacity building is demonstrated through initiatives to train Guyanese officials under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program. Indian High Commissioner Dr. Amit Telang highlighted the importance of such visits in strengthening the multifaceted partnership between India and Guyana.
A statement from the Indian High Commission emphasized the significance of the visit and the course, providing officials with an opportunity to explore Indian culture, cuisine, and traditions.
Under the tenure of the then-Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, bilateral ties between India and Guyana have seen significant growth, with increased cooperation in energy projects. India’s involvement in an 800-million-dollar gas-to-energy project in Guyana is a notable example of this collaboration.
