India to help Guyana strengthen military

President Irfaan Ali made the announcement the Government of Guyana is exploring options for acquiring new equipment and supplies for the modernisation of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and is looking to India, as reported by the government’s Department of Public Information.

In an interview Friday with WION, an Indian multinational news channel headquartered in New Delhi, Ali said one option under consideration is purchasing hardware and military equipment from India.

Pointing out that Guyana has already begun to increase its level of military cooperation with India, including working more closely on a wide range of activities, the president is quoted saying “We have already embarked on closer and more elaborate military-to-military cooperation with India. We have several officers being trained in India now.” Said cooperation, Ali said, also includes developing an integrated relationship in terms of technology, equipment, and human resources.

Ranks of the GDF are currently benefitting from or have completed courses in the South Asian nation, through the country’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programme for friendly foreign countries.

Ali also stated that his government has communicated to Indian authorities that it has no objections to and supports India’s involvement in the modernisation drive.