Easier flights from Guyana to India and possible visa-free travel was lobbied for during the recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyan Jaishankar.

At a reception held at the Marriott Hotel on Sunday night, Indians living in Guyana, drew the visiting Minister’s attention to the travel hassles associated with travel between India and Guyana.

He acknowledged those concerns but reminded those gathered that Indian airlines that could offer direct flights are private businesses that are guided by market appetite.

Once those airlines are able to recover from the downturn suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Jaishankar believes that there will be more flights to and from India. And with growing Guyana/ India relations, flights to and from Guyana may be a possibility.

“I feel that when our relationship becomes more substantive, when there is more business going… airlines will look at what is the viability of the traffic.

“I can see the relationship (between Guyana and India) growing strong enough to promote that viability,” Jaishankar said.

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.

Importantly, an Air Services Agreement (ASA), which allows for easier travel between the two nations, was inked during Minister Jaishankar’s visit.

This agreement reportedly opens investment opportunities and caters for Guyanese owned airlines to have direct market access to international airports in India and vice versa.

Presently there is no direct flight between Guyana and India but a press release from Guyana’s Ministry of Public Works explained that this agreement institutes the legal framework that opens market access for airlines of both states to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth between the two countries.