The President and his delegation are expected to spend the next two days traveling before reaching their destination, described as "half way round the world from Guyana.

The visit concludes August 29.

It is taking place at the invitation of India's former President, Mr. K.P. Narayanan.

President Jagdeo will hold discussions with the current President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Leader of the Opposition Ms. Sonia Gandhi and several Cabinet ministers. President Kalam will host a State Banquet in honour of the Guyanese President at the Rastrapathi Bahavan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi.

His Excellency will be the guest of honour and deliver the feature address at a luncheon hosted by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of India.

The President is also scheduled to meet with entrepreneurs seeking to expand trade between Guyana and India. President Jagdeo is to have a firsthand look at several manufacturing and information technology complexes during the state visit that will take him to places including New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The Guyanese Leader has also been invited to visit the village in the state of Uttar Pradesh from where his ancestors came.

Guyana and India are to sign a number of economic, education and cultural agreements.

The government's delegation is made up of: Mr. Clement Rohee - Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation; Ms. Gail Teixeira - Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport; Mr. Doodnauth Singh, SC - Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Mr. Manniram Prashad - Presidential Adviser on Investment; Ambassador Elizabeth Harper - Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Robert Persaud - Information Liaison to the President.

The private sector and labour component of the delegation comprises: Edward Boyer - President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Carvil Duncan - President of the GTUC; and Mr. Fazal Ferouze - businessman and President of the CIOG.