The visit highlights Guyana's intention to strengthen its defense capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration with India, further strengthening decades of strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Key meetings and discussions with Indian defense chiefs
Brigadier Khan's visit began with a meeting with Indian Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi on Tuesday (November 5, 2024). The discussions focused on building mutual understanding, strengthening regional stability, and strengthening maritime security – key areas of interest for both countries. General Chauhan also reaffirmed India's commitment to providing military training for Guyanese forces and highlighted the country's expanding capabilities in defense production under the “Make in India” and “Make for the World”.
Following this, Brigadier Khan met with India's top service chiefs, with each of them emphasizing the importance of expanding bilateral defense relations.
Army General Upendra Dwivedi hosted Brigadier Khan for a productive discussion on shared strategic interests and potential areas for strengthening cooperation between the Indian Army and the GDF. They discussed initiatives to improve training programs and operational exchanges, with the aim of deepening collaboration in peacekeeping and crisis response.
The Chief of Air Staff highlighted opportunities for collaboration in aerial surveillance and disaster response, critical skills for Guyana’s unique security environment. Brigadier Khan and the Air Chief explored avenues for joint training and capacity building exercises, focusing on air operations and technology sharing.
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), met with Brigadier Khan to discuss the potential for expanding maritime security and training cooperation. The Indian Navy is keen to support the GDF in enhancing its maritime patrol and disaster preparedness capabilities. The two leaders expressed their readiness to continue joint efforts for maritime domain awareness, which is essential to safeguard regional waters against threats such as piracy and illicit trafficking.
Visits by the Guyanese delegation to public companies in the defense sector
As part of the visit, Brigadier Khan and his delegation are scheduled to visit India's Defense Sector Public Undertakings (DPSUs) and major defense production hubs. This part of the visit provides Guyanese officials with an overview of India's strong defense production capabilities and its progress in indigenous defense manufacturing, from aircraft to advanced weapons.
These visits are expected to pave the way for future collaboration, which could potentially lead to Guyana's acquisition of Indian-made defense equipment to meet its specific maritime security and rapid response needs.
India and Guyana have enjoyed diplomatic relations dating back to 1965, with the establishment of the Indian Commission in Georgetown, which was later upgraded to a high commission following Guyana's independence in 1968. Over the years, this partnership has strengthened, characterized by cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade and technology.
A significant milestone in India-Guyana defense relations was the recent delivery of two Dornier-228 aircraft to Guyana, facilitated by a $23.37 million Defense Line of Credit from the Export Bank -import from India (Exim Bank). These aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will support Guyana’s maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, enabling the GDF to respond more effectively to security threats and emergencies.
During the meeting with Admiral Tripathi, Brigadier Khan expressed Guyana’s interest in learning from India’s extensive experience in maritime security. The Indian Navy’s expertise and capacity building initiatives will enable the GDF to enhance its maritime patrol capabilities, thereby ensuring the protection of Guyana’s territorial waters and nearby international shipping routes.
Expansion of defense production cooperation
India’s “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, which were a focal point of Brigadier Khan’s discussions, present an opportunity for Guyana to access high quality and affordable defense equipment. This is in line with Guyana’s objective to strengthen its defense infrastructure while promoting self-reliance. When the Guyanese delegation visits various DPSUs, it will gain an overview of India's indigenous defense technologies, which could potentially lay the foundation for future procurement agreements.
India's defense manufacturing capabilities have already benefited countries in South Asia, Africa and now the Caribbean, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner for nations seeking to improve their security framework through solutions profitable.
Brigadier Omar Khan's visit to India signals a commitment to a deeper strategic relationship between the two nations, with tangible benefits anticipated for both sides. As both countries address complex security issues, the India-Guyana partnership will continue to evolve, with a focus on military training, technology sharing and maritime collaboration.
