India’s Modi receives Guyana’s highest national award for exceptional global leadership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Guyana’s highest national honour, the Order of Excellence late Wednesday night in a ceremony that underscored his exceptional contributions to global leadership and the deepening ties between India and Guyana.

The prestigious accolade, presented by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, highlighted Modi’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation on the world stage, particularly during moments of shared crisis.

“On behalf of a grateful people, I thank Prime Minister Modi for his exceptional service to the global community,” Ali declared in his remarks.

“The greatest test of any human being is to give of their very little when they are most in need. Prime Minister Modi fulfilled this test with distinction when India gifted 500,000 vaccines while rallying to meet its own needs.”

Ali recalled the profound impact of India’s vaccine diplomacy, which reached Guyana during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Here in Guyana, we were fortunate to receive 80,000 of those vaccines at a time when many countries of the world had to wait in line—and not only wait but wait at the back of the line. India came forward and said, with the little we have, we will share. That is remarkable.”

Accepting the award, Modi expressed gratitude on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion people.

“This is a living proof of your deep commitment towards our relations, which will continue to inspire us to move forward in every field,” Modi said, praising President Ali and the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

“India-Guyana relations are based on shared history, cultural heritage, and deep mutual trust,” Modi said, acknowledging President Ali’s instrumental role in strengthening ties. “Under his leadership, we are continually moving forward in every direction.”

The ceremony was a celebration of the close bond between the two democracies, united by shared challenges and aspirations.

Ali emphasised India’s role in championing technology, innovation, and digital transformation as tools to bridge global divides.

“Those are the stories that will shape the world we all want—a world in which technology and digitization reduce poverty and bring the world closer together, not widen the gaps among countries,” Ali remarked.

Highlighting Guyana’s immense gratitude, Ali lauded India’s contributions to every sphere of national development.

“We can point to physical, institutional, and systemic support from the government and people of India—in human capital training – scholarships -defence programmes, concessional loans, cultural exchanges, and more.

“We salute you, Prime Minister Modi, and the people of India, and we thank you gratefully.”

Modi, in turn, celebrated the natural and cultural beauty of Guyana, drawing poetic parallels between the rivers of Guyana and India.

“Guyana, blessed with numerous waterfalls and lakes, is called the land of many waters. Similarly, the great rivers of India, like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, have been the birthplace of our ancient civilisation. Water holds a place of social and cultural pride in both our countries,” he said.

Reiterating India’s unwavering support to Guyana, Modi promised: “India is ready to work with Guyana shoulder to shoulder in every field. Our cooperation as two democracies is important not only for bilateral relations but for the entire Global South.”

The conferral of the Order of Excellence stands as a testament to a relationship steeped in mutual respect, shared values, and a vision for a more equitable world.

President Ali’s parting words encapsulated the spirit of the moment: “Continue to lead, continue to be bold, continue to demonstrate the type of spine that is required in this very complex global environment. Know that in Guyana and in CARICOM, you will have the support to ensure we all win together in the interest of our countries.”