Guyana–India relations

Relations between India and Guyana ever since the independence of Guyana in May 1966 have been cordial.^[1] The cordiality in the relation remains unaffected with changes in governments either in India or in Guyana. Late Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, visited Guyana in 1968, late Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then Vice President of India visited Guyana in 1988 and Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Vice President of India came on a state visit to Guyana in 2006.^[1]

Both countries were once part of the British Empire and are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Economic co-operation

The cooperation between the two countries in sharing developmental experience is mainly routed through Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC)^[2] under which forty scholarships are granted every year in various courses.

Cultural connections

Indian Cultural Centre in Georgetown was established in 1972 with the objective of strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and Guyana and their peoples.^{[citation needed]} The Centre runs regular classes in Yoga and Dance (Kathak). The Centre has a well equipped Auditorium where cultural events are organised on a regular basis. The teachers and students of ICC participate in events by the local community on various occasions round the year. The Centre has a library with books/publications on history, literature, art, culture, mythology and works of eminent scholars and authors.^{[citation needed]}

An important cultural connection between India and Guyana is cricket. With the advent of the Indian Premier League, many Guyanese players were contracted to play in India.^[1]

There is also a religious connection as Hindus make up to 30% of Guyana population and most of them are of Indian origin.^[3]