The Government of Guyana has announced plans to take significant steps to modernize the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and is exploring all options for acquiring new equipment and supplies.
One option under consideration is purchasing hardware and military equipment from India, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Friday.
Ali was speaking with reporters at an Indian multinational news channel headquartered in New Delhi.
Guyana has already begun to increase its level of military cooperation with India, including working more closely on a wide range of activities.
The cooperation also includes developing an integrated relationship in terms of technology, equipment, and human resources.
Furthermore, the collaboration with India is aimed at supporting Guyana’s efforts to modernize and retool its military.
Several 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 program for friendly foreign countries.
Ali also stated that his government has communicated to Indian authorities it has no objections to and supports India’s involvement in the drive.
The Ali-led administration has been strategic in making the necessary investments in army bases countrywide to improve their technological capability to advance ranks’ educational development.
Additionally, the president has been pushing tertiary-level educational development among the nation’s defence force members.
The head of state said these academic upgrades are essential and align with the administration’s mandate to improve the lives of every Guyanese.
CMC/