Letter to the Editor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his historic visit to Guyana, scheduled for 20th and 21st November 2024. This is the first visit by an Indian leader since Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s 1968 tour of Guyana, Trinidad, and Latin America.
PM Modi’s Stated Objectives
In his departure statement ahead of his visit, PM Modi stated: “My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of H.E. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy as I address their Parliament,” the statement read.”
“During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” it added.
Lessons from Guyana’s Unity and Harmony
PM Modi would be better served if he noted the country’s unique diversity. Guyana’s example of unity and harmony can serve as a valuable lesson, particularly in light of the controversies surrounding India’s domestic and foreign policies under Mr Modi and his Home Minister, Amit Shah, whose actions have raised global concerns.
After enduring over 170 years since the arrival of indentured labourers in 1838, the shared struggles of Hindus and Muslims in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad have forged a strong bond of unity. These labourers, fleeing caste oppression, famine, and plagues in India, endured gruelling sea journeys under harrowing conditions. The long voyage fostered a sense of shared identity among them, transcending caste and regional differences. Bound to specific sugar plantations for five years under harsh conditions, they relied on one another for survival and support.
Post-indentureship, the struggles continued, but these experiences solidified their camaraderie. Together, Hindus and Muslims resisted colonial oppression, leading riots and uprisings such as the Hosay Massacre (Trinidad), which left nine killed and over 100 wounded Indian Indentured Labourers (of Muslim & Hindu faiths), and uprisings at Rose Hall, Leonora, and Devonshire Castle (in Guyana). British colonists met these acts of resistance with brutal force, yet the communities stood united. They saw themselves as Hindustanis, shedding caste and religious divisions and participating in one another’s festivals and cultural practices.
This enduring unity is reflected in Guyana’s inclusive society today, where people of all faiths—Hindu, Muslim, and Christian—have risen to leadership positions, including the current Muslim President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Guyana’s harmonious coexistence contrasts starkly with the divisive Hindutva politics propagated by Mr Modi’s government and its BJP extremists. Such ideologies have no place in the multi-religious and multi-ethnic fabric of Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad, where unity and shared struggles have defined the collective identity of their Indian-origin communities.
This historical state visit to Guyana, the Indian Diaspora in Guyana, has been anxiously awaited. Guyana is a country with an Indian majority population. Most Indo-Guyanese can trace their Indian roots to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, but small batches also came from as far as the Afghan region, Baluchistan, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Guyana is the world’s fastest-growing economy and is poised to be a global player, sitting on billions of barrels of oil and gas.
India’s Divergence From Acceptance of Its Diversity Amidst Recovery From Its Colonial Legacy
The spectre of the Gujarat riots still looms large in international consciousness, and the divisive policies being implemented in India today have moved the country far from Mahatma Ghandi’s vision and advocacy of Sarva Dharma Sambhava (Equality of All Religions). For Gandhi, India’s diversity was its strength. He envisioned an independent India as a secular nation where the state would treat all religions equally and not favour one over another. Gandhi believed India’s spiritual and cultural richness lay in its multi-faith fabric. He envisioned an India where people of all religions could coexist peacefully, with respect and love for one another, grounded in the principle of truth and non-violence.
As a founding member of the Non-Alignment Movement during the Cold War India emphasized Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence) as a cornerstone of NAM. These principles included mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is still active, although its relevance and influence have diminished since the end of the Cold War. However, India’s participation in the Non-Aligned Movement has diminished, with its delegations to NAM meetings being conspicuously low-profile. One of the core features of NAM is its support for Palestine.
Furthermore, India’s historic support for Palestine, once a cornerstone of its foreign policy, has been eroded, with votes against Iran and Palestine in international forums becoming routine.
This is troubling, given India’s rich history as a melting pot of civilizations. Its northern population reflects a blend of ancient Iranians, Central Asians, and African hunter-gatherers. The commonalities between the Avesta and the Vedas highlight these deep historical connections. However, India appears to have abandoned its ancient alliances, favouring divisive politics and rewriting history.
Guyana, by contrast, has managed to avoid religious strife. Yet, the alarming reports of minorities being attacked, religious sites desecrated, and communal politics dominating electoral campaigns in India are a stark warning. Such developments could destabilise the social harmony we cherish in Guyana. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and avoid over-reliance on any one country while maintaining the unity of “One Guyana.”
India’s actions have repercussions beyond its borders, particularly for countries like Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad, where people of Indian origin—Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike—form significant parts of the population. Prime Minister Modi has an opportunity to repair these fractures by restoring the autonomous status of Kashmir, a distinct Indo-Aryan region with a glorious past. Morocco’s grant of autonomy to Western Sahara is a relevant example to emulate. Similarly, reinstating the minority histories that have reportedly been excised from Indian school textbooks would be a vital step toward restoring trust.
India Must Recalibrate Its South-South Priorities
Most urgently, Mr. Modi must use his influence to advocate for a ceasefire and a just peace in Gaza and Lebanon. His close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu puts him in a unique position to facilitate peace and address the genocide unfolding in Gaza. With its aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, India must demonstrate an unbiased commitment to upholding international laws and sovereignty.
If India is to be seen as a global leader, it must prioritise justice, equity, and peace within its borders and on the international stage.
The media in Guyana refuses to publish any critical commentary on PM Modi and his government’s policies.
