By Kurt Campbell
In a historic address to Guyana’s National Assembly on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to both the government and the opposition in what was only the second-ever speech by a foreign Head of State in the post-independence history of the country’s Parliament.
The first occurred nearly two decades ago in 2005, when Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the body.
Modi’s speech was a momentous occasion not only for the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries but also for its reflection on the changing global landscape and the need for unity in addressing common challenges.
His words echoed a vision of cooperation, democracy, and humanity that transcends borders with calls for shared responsibility in tackling the world’s most pressing issues.
Prime Minister Modi began his address by extending warm congratulations to the members of Guyana’s National Assembly, applauding their collective efforts to strengthen the country’s democracy.
He underscored the importance of Guyana’s democratic institutions, describing them as vital to the country’s development and global standing.
“Every single effort by you to strengthen democracy in Guyana is contributing towards development in the world,” Modi remarked, according to an interpreter as Modi spoke in his native language – Hindi.
In an era when global power structures are undergoing transformation, Modi highlighted the significance of democracy as a guiding principle.
“Democracy is not just a law or a system—it is in our DNA,” he said.
At the heart of Modi’s speech was a call for the world to adopt a framework of “Democracy First, Humanity First.” This, he explained, is not just a political ideal but a moral compass that must guide decisions and actions at all levels of governance.
“Democracy first teaches us that we must take everyone along, and in doing so, become a partner in everyone’s development,” Modi said.
“Humanity first teaches us to place the well-being of people at the center of our decisions. When we do this, the outcomes are always in the interest of all mankind.”
Modi’s emphasis on these values was not abstract but deeply grounded in practical actions.
He pointed to India’s role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a testament to the country’s commitment to shared global welfare.
“When the world was in turmoil during the COVID crisis, India extended a helping hand to more than 100 countries with medicines and vaccines,” he noted.
Modi did not shy away from addressing some of the most critical issues facing the world today, particularly terrorism, cybercrime, and the destabilizing forces of drug trafficking.
He expressed concern about the rising tide of conflicts, emphasizing that it is a time for collaboration, not division.
“We believe that space and the seas should not be zones of conflict but areas of universal cooperation,” Modi stated.
“This is a time to address the root causes of conflict, whether it is terrorism, drugs, or cyber threats. Only by overcoming these challenges can we create a better future for generations to come.”
He further underscored that India has always been driven by principles of trust, transparency, and respect for others’ sovereignty.
Reflecting on the close historical and cultural ties between the two nations, he expressed confidence that Guyana and India would continue to grow as partners, united by shared values of democracy, respect for sovereignty, and a commitment to global well-being.
“Our democratic values are our strongest pillars of support,” Modi concluded.
“Together, India and Guyana will face any challenges and build a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world.”
Guyana’s lawmakers, who had gathered for this rare address, listened intently as Modi spoke not just to the assembly but to the world, reaffirming the importance of collaboration, unity, and shared humanity in an increasingly complex global order.
They later assembled for a group photo with him.
This three-day state visit marked a significant milestone in India-Guyana relations and was widely seen as a reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to democratic ideals and global peace, reinforcing the message that despite differences in size or geography, every nation’s future is intertwined in the pursuit of a better world.
