Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in more than 50 years to the South American country with diaspora ties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit Wednesday to the South American country of Guyana, where 40 percent of the population is of subcontinental origin.

India and Guyana on Wednesday agreed to ramp up cooperation in areas of defence, trade, energy, pharmaceutical and agriculture as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali held extensive bilateral talks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his government views the South American country of Guyana as key to its energy security.

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday his country is interested in oil from Guyana, the small South American nation with the world's highest per capita crude reserves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state in over 50 years. He paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Indian heritage, and emphasized the cultural contributions of the Indian diaspora.