Guyana’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities has seen Senior Minister Dr. Ashni K. Singh, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, signed a Line of Credit (LOC) Agreement of US$23.27 million with the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank). This agreement, aimed at procurement, particularly emphasizes the acquisition of two aircraft, signifying a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
The signing ceremony, attended by key officials including Mr. Sanjay Lamba, Deputy General Manager of the Line of Credit Group at EXIM Bank, underscores the collaborative efforts between Guyana and India in advancing defense infrastructure. The genesis of this agreement traces back to President Ali’s visit to India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in January 2023, demonstrating the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Dr. Singh, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for India’s steadfast support, citing the longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries. He emphasized Guyana’s openness to international collaboration, particularly highlighting India’s advanced technological expertise, which the nation eagerly seeks to leverage for mutual benefit.
Furthermore, Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to fortifying the security sector, with a particular focus on enhancing specialized wings such as the Air Corps and the Coast Guard. The procurement of these aircraft constitutes the largest-ever investment in the capitalization of the GDF, marking a pivotal moment in Guyana’s defence modernization efforts.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that culminated in the LOC Agreement, Dr. Singh thanked all stakeholders involved, including the Indian High Commission, the GDF, and the Ministry of Finance. This sentiment was echoed by High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, who emphasized India’s enduring commitment to fostering a robust partnership with Guyana, underscored by the historic significance of this defence LOC—the first of its kind with the Caribbean region.
Mr. Sanjay Lamba, representing EXIM Bank, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration and affirmed the bank’s dedication to furthering the relationship between Guyana and India. Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the GDF, highlighted the pivotal role India has played in defence training in Guyana over the decades, aligning with President Ali’s vision for a secure and prosperous Guyana.
With today’s agreement, Guyana has received a total of eleven LOCs from the Indian EXIM Bank, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations since establishing diplomatic relations in 1966. The ongoing developmental cooperation program between Guyana and India continues to foster mutual growth and prosperity, symbolizing a shared commitment to progress and stability in the region.
