Georgetown: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the ‘Key to the city’ of Georgetown on Wednesday during his state visit to Guyana. He was also warmly welcomed by the Indian community in Guyana.

PM Modi was welcomed in Georgetown by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and four ministers from Guyana.

Upon arrival, PM Modi was greeted with traditional dance performances and, in a warm gesture, received the ‘Key to the City’ of Georgetown, the capital of Guyana.

The Prime Minister engaged with Guyana’s government ministers and the Indian diaspora.

PM took to X to post “A heartfelt thank you to the Indian community in Guyana for their warm and spirited welcome. They have shown that distance is never a barrier to staying connected to one’s roots. Glad to see the community making a mark here across different sectors.”

Earlier in an unprecedented gesture, PM Modi was received at the airport by President Irfan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips and over a dozen Cabinet ministers. He has become the first Indian PM to visit the South American country in 56 years.

At the hotel where the PM will be staying, he interacted with the enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora who conveyed great pleasure in meeting with the PM.

The Prime Minister interacted with people across all age groups and expressed joy upon receiving the warm welcome.

Earlier in an exclusive interview with ANI, the Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Guyana, Rudra Jayanta Bhagawati said, “It is a big gift for Guyana that PM Modi is coming here”.

During his visit, PM Modi will address a special sitting of Guyana’s parliament. He will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit.

In a press briefing ahead of the PM’s visit to Guyana, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Prime Minister’s visit comes at the invitation of Guyanese President Mohammad Irfaan Ali.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said that the PM will engage in delegation-level talks with President Irfaan Ali.

“My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament,” the Prime Minister had earlier noted.

(with agency inputs)