A remarkable flypast by two Indian-made Dornier 228 aircraft captivated the leaders attending the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, underscoring India’s growing defense and diplomatic engagement with the region. The aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), were showcased on the sidelines of the summit.
Visuals shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs captured the elegant flypast as leaders from India and Guyana looked on. These Dornier 228 aircraft, twin-engine turboprop maritime patrol planes, were acquired by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) earlier this year. Known for their versatility, they are equipped for a range of missions, including maritime patrol, surveillance, pollution control, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
The Indian Coast Guard describes the Dornier 228 as lightweight, fuel-efficient, and highly adaptable, with quick role-switching capabilities. The aircraft were officially commissioned by the GDF in April 2024. Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali acknowledged their delivery on social media, saying, “The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force. The planes arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport aboard two Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes.”
The flypast was a symbolic highlight during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Guyana, which marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. This visit, the final leg of PM Modi’s multi-nation tour, followed his engagements in Nigeria and Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit.
In Guyana, PM Modi co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit alongside regional leaders, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Caribbean nations. The summit included discussions on key areas of cooperation, cultural programs, bilateral meetings, and recognition of PM Modi’s efforts with awards from member nations.
(Inputs from ANI)