India is seriously considering oil and gas collaboration with Guyana and Suriname, the former of which has made large oil and gas discoveries, and the latter of which is looking into comparable prospects.
On the fringes of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the president of the Republic of Suriname, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu to discuss this issue.
How does Guyana play a big role for India in the future?
Saurabh Kumar, the East Regional Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that India was considering Suriname and Guyana for oil and gas cooperation. In the future, Guyana would be a key center for hydrocarbon production, he said, adding that the country already produces 3.4 lakh barrels of oil per day and plans to raise that by 1.64 million barrels per day by the end of this decade.
According to Kumar, there is a chance of discovering oil and gas deposits in Suriname as well; the country is currently undergoing the necessary exploration, and production is anticipated to begin in the next two to three years.
The MEA secretary stated that Suriname and the MEA have “extremely good developmental collaboration,” noting that Suriname is presently experiencing severe financial difficulties. On the adjustment of credit lines, the president of Suriname had talks with Modi, and according to Kumar, “an arrangement is being worked out.”
The 150th anniversary of the immigration of persons of Indian descent to Suriname will be commemorated this year. The program has sent invitations to Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu. The president of Guyana had informed the president and prime minister that they looked to India for leadership since that country was well regarded among people of Indian descent.
In addition to focusing on sustainable power, food processing, agriculture, and other industries, Guyana wants to enhance its infrastructure and IT Park, according to Kumar. He requested our involvement in all of these areas. The President of Guyana was particularly interested in bilateral skill development because he wanted talented Indian workers to come and help his country flourish.
In addition, the bilateral conversation with both Presidents included a significant discussion of capacity building. The presidents of Guyana and Suriname have made the decision to stay put and participate in the Invest MP Summit’s opening session on Wednesday. They’ll also go to a session on the oil and gas industry. The presidents are scheduled to make a number of trips to other Madhya Pradesh cities.
