Georgetown, Guyana: In a symbolic and strategic stop during their diplomatic tour, an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor paid floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi and the bronze replica of the Whitby Ship in Georgetown, Guyana. The gesture reflected both reverence for shared history and a reaffirmation of India’s growing ties with Guyana.
🇮🇳 Honouring Heritage: Gandhi and the Whitby Ship
The delegation began their homage at Promenade Gardens, where they honoured the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, a universal icon of peace. Later, they paid floral tributes at the bronze replica of the Whitby, the ship that first carried Indian indentured labourers to Guyana in 1838.
“The Whitby monument stands for the journey of our ancestors—mainly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—who helped shape Guyana,” said Shashi Tharoor, describing it as a mission of friendship and shared identity.
🗣️ Shashank Mani: Dual Message of Friendship and Resolve
BJP MP Shashank Mani praised the pioneering Indian community in Guyana and highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor:
“The message of Operation Sindoor has been conveyed very successfully—along with the message of friendship.”
🌍 Strategic Diplomacy with Diaspora Roots
Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the delegation’s mission went beyond counter-terror messaging. With 40% of Guyana’s population of Indian origin, the visit resonated on a cultural and economic level.
“Guyana is booming with 30% economic growth, thanks to oil and gas discoveries. It offers new opportunities for Indian businesses, students, and labour,” Tharoor noted.
He called for deeper Indo-Guyanese cooperation in trade, education, and development, while continuing to raise awareness about Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
🏛️ Constructive Dialogue with Guyana’s Speaker
Tharoor described the meeting with Speaker Manzoor Nadir as “terrific”, highlighting mutual understanding and a unified stance by Indian MPs:
“Each MP complemented the other in expressing India’s concerns and resolve. The Speaker understood our position deeply.”
🔴 Operation Sindoor: A Context of Crisis
- Launched: May 7, 2025
- Trigger: April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam (26 killed)
- Response: Strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and PoJK
- Groups targeted: Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen
- Casualties: 100+ terrorists eliminated
India’s diplomatic delegations—spanning Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean—aim to build global consensus on zero tolerance for terrorism.