Easier flights, visa-free travel discussed with visiting Indian Foreign Minister

Further, he said the Narendra Modi-led government has keenly promoted flights to those countries where there is a large Indian diaspora. Guyana is one such country with a sizable diaspora.

Asked about India-issued visas, the External Affairs Minister said existing immigration services from his country are generally efficient. The country, he highlighted, issues e-visas that are easily validated upon arrival in India.

Though not commenting on potential visa-free travel, Jaishankar added, “I would actually suggest in a way that the current system may be better.”

Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who attended the reception alongside Minister Jaishankar, made it clear that the Irfaan Ali-led administration is working towards easier travel between India and Guyana, and other countries.

Shortly before the reception, at a commissioning ceremony held in Georgetown, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made a subtle call for easier travel to and from Guyana not just with India but other countries.

“We have to resolve the difficulties in flights coming here, removing, as much as possible, hurdles.

“In this modern world there (are) enough global safeguards for us to ensure the efficient, safe movement of people among countries,” Dr. Ali said in the presence of Minister Jaishankar and several other diplomats.

The United Kingdom (UK) last year implemented visa-free travel from Guyana. Efforts are underway to broker a similar agreement with Canada.