External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of development cooperation in the India-Jamaica relationship during his meeting with Jamaican counterpart Kamina J. Smith. Both sides explored new avenues to enhance bilateral engagement, signing agreements across various sectors like digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports, and digital payments. Jaishankar praised the completion of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project in Kingston Town, supported by India with US$1 million, benefiting hundreds in the community.
Expressing commitment to development partnerships, Jaishankar discussed plans for an artisan empowerment hub in Jamaica under the India-CARICOM Development Partnership. He also lauded India’s assistance in Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, including health initiatives like providing BHISHM Cubes and dialysis units. The minister underscored the broadening cooperation areas between the two nations, encompassing defense, security, healthcare, digitization, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
During talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Jaishankar covered regional and global developments, affirming mutual cooperation in multilateral forums. The discussions aimed at fostering a robust, beneficial, and trust-based partnership between India and Jamaica.
