How is Guyana's PM Supporting India's Anti-Terrorism Efforts?

Georgetown, May 26 (NationPress) - The Prime Minister of Guyana, Mark Anthony Phillips, voiced his support for India's efforts to combat cross-border terrorism during a meeting with an Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor in Berbice.

On Sunday evening (local time), Phillips received insights from the MPs regarding Operation Sindoor and India's stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism, as reported by India's High Commission on platform X.

Phillips has become the second leader from Guyana to stand in solidarity with India against terrorism.

Earlier that day, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated following his meeting with the delegation that Guyana is firmly aligned with India.

"We denounce terrorism, and we believe that all individuals who commit such acts must face justice," he asserted.

After the briefing, the High Commission noted that Phillips "reiterated Guyana's support and comprehension of India's strategies against cross-border terrorism."

The discussions encompassed various matters regarding India-Guyana collaboration," they added.

Monday marks Guyana's Independence Day, with President Mohammed Ifraan Ali delivering a midnight address in Berbice, located about 65 kilometers from the capital city, Georgetown.

Tharoor and the delegation participated in the midnight festivities celebrating Guyana's 59th Independence anniversary.

The High Commission issued a statement indicating that the delegation will engage with Guyanese leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian community and diaspora, along with friends of India in Guyana.

During these sessions, the MPs aim to "convey a strong message of unity and solidarity, as well as India's collective determination to combat the menace of terrorism."

Emphasizing national unity against terrorism, the team led by Tharoor, from the opposition Congress Party, includes Shambhavi from the Lok Janshakti Party, Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Milind Murli Deora from the Shiv Sena, along with Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi from the Telugu Desam Party, a partner in the National Democratic Alliance.

The visiting delegation is one of seven teams of MPs traversing the globe to communicate India's stance following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam by The Resistance Front, associated with the Lashkar-e-Tayiba based in Pakistan.

Following India's Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist hideouts, Pakistan retaliated with an assault on India that included civilian sites like temples, gurdwaras, a convent, and a medical facility, intensifying the conflict.

After the meeting with Jagdeo, Tharoor shared on X about their "excellent meeting," noting that the vice president expressed "deep empathy and acknowledgment of India's concerns following recent incidents" — referring to the tragic massacre of 26 individuals in Pahalgam by terrorists linked to Pakistan and India's Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist bases in Kashmir.

Tharoor also mentioned discussions on economic collaboration between India and Guyana, a rapidly advancing nation propelled by oil discoveries in its waters.

"Our dialogue covered a variety of topics concerning Guyana's record-breaking 30% annual economic growth and developmental strategies following oil and gas discoveries," he noted on X.

The MPs also engaged with the Indian diaspora, many of whom gathered at their hotel to welcome them.

Surya shared on X, "Members of the Indian community in Georgetown, Guyana, warmly welcomed our Parliamentary delegation."

"We also interacted with representatives from numerous spiritual organizations like the Art of Living, ISKCON, and the Brahma Kumaris," he added, emphasizing their roles as the spiritual and cultural foundation for the Indian community here.