President Ali in ‘wide-ranging’ talks with Indian President

President Irfaan Ali and Indian President Droupadi Murmu have held wide-ranging discussions in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on the sidelines of 17th PBD Convention, the largest gathering of persons of Indian origin living outside of the sub-continent.

President Murmu posted on Twitter that she and President Ali discussed enhancing cooperation in various sectors including oil and gas, healthcare, training and capacity building.

President Ali is in India for the convention, where he will receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest civilian honour by the Indian government granted to people of Indian origin in the diaspora.

In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said in welcoming President Ali, the Indian President said India was delighted to have him as the Chief Guest for the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

“The President said that even though India and Guyana are separated geographically by a large distance, both countries have many things in common, including a colonial past, and multicultural societies.

“Most importantly, the large Indian Diaspora acts as an enduring link of friendship between India and Guyana,” the Ministry stated.

According to the release, the President said that bilateral relations between the two countries have strengthened over recent years and trade between India and Guyana is also on an upward trajectory.

“Pointing out the recent major discoveries of oil and gas in Guyana, she said that there is immense scope of cooperation and collaboration between Guyana and India in this area.

“India has requisite experience and expertise across the entire oil and gas value chain,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

According to the Ministry, India is keen to further strengthen its development partnership with Guyana, and India would also be happy to deepen its capacity building and training cooperation.

“The President appreciated the Government of Guyana for its continued support to India’s candidature in various international bodies and to India’s priorities on global issues,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.