India pledges support for Guyana in border controversy

India has called on Venezuela to honour its commitments under the Argyle Declaration, respect international law, and refrain from any provocative actions, including holding elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, emphasised that the issue of the border controversy is already before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and reiterated that the matter should be settled peacefully and in accordance with international law.

“Our position is that they (Venezuela) should strictly abide with that declaration which is again the position of the Government of Guyana. And avoid taking any actions which are against the spirit of the declaration which includes of course also the election. So, of course, any action which is being taken which is against that declaration is not something that we will support.”

“The matter is already in the International Court of Justice,” Dr. Telang stated. “The Government of Guyana has provided its positions… and made it clear that they will respect whatever judgment would come from the ICJ.”

Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against Guyana, including plans to unlawfully elect a Governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name the Spanish-speaking nation has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region.

The Indian High Commissioner said India’s assistance to Guyana in this matter would be based on an official request from the Guyanese Government.

“It depends on what kind of support the Government of Guyana wants from us,” Dr. Telang explained. “We are strong partners and we will continue to support Guyana.”

Pressed for specifics, he declined to speculate on the nature of potential support, saying, “I would not like to comment on a hypothetical situation. Let us wait… but once support is requested, India is ready.”

India and Guyana share strong diplomatic ties, with India having supported Guyana across a range of sectors, including security, health, education, and energy.