The coalition cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the signing of an air services agreement between India and Guyana, Mint’s Saurav Anand reported.
“The Air Services Agreement will enter into force after the two sides exchange diplomatic notes confirming that each party has completed the internal procedures required for the entry into force of this agreement,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
According to the 2012 census, Indians make up a significant share of Guyana and are the largest ethnic group comprising about 40% of the population.
The agreement signed with Guyana will provide the framework for the provision of air services between the two countries.
In view of the growing aviation market and developments such as the liberalization of the aviation industry in India, air service agreements have been signed with many countries to pave the way for international air connectivity.
According to the ministry, the Air Services Agreement provides a legal framework for air operations between the two countries, which is based on the principle of reciprocity of national sovereignty, nationality of the carrier, and commercial opportunities for designated airlines of both parties.
There is currently no Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the Government of India and the Government of Guyana.
India and Guyana are signatories to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
Officials from the Governments of India and Guyana met during the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event in Nassau, Bahamas, on December 6, 2016, as the two countries initialed the text of the ASA for scheduled air services between the two countries.
It added that the new air services agreement between India and Guyana will provide an enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities for airlines of both parties.
In a bid to strengthen India’s role in global civil aviation affairs, the coalition cabinet on Wednesday endorsed amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, reaffirming India’s commitment to the principles behind the convention. An official statement said this would provide better opportunities for India to play a bigger role in matters related to international civil aviation.
The Convention outlines the privileges and obligations of all Contracting States and facilitates the regulation of international air transport. (Source: Mint)
