India has pledged to send 30 dialysis units, 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices, and associated equipment to Jamaica as part of the country’s recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his official visit to Jamaica, also delivered 10 BHISHM emergency medical units to aid the nation. The visit marked the first bilateral trip by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Jamaica.
Jaishankar, in addition to meeting Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, engaged in talks with Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The Ministry of External Affairs disclosed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between India and Jamaica, focusing on health cooperation, solarisation of The Hugh Lawson Shearer Building, and broadcasting. Discussions also encompassed the progress of current agreements in digital transformation, culture, sports, and digital payments.
Both countries deliberated on broadening collaboration in key sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, digitalization, agriculture, education, tourism, and capacity building. India affirmed its commitment by increasing ITEC training slots from six to 34, particularly in defense training. The talks also highlighted capacity building initiatives through ICCR scholarships and digital learning platforms such as E-Vidyabharati and iGOT Karmyogi.
India expressed gratitude for Jamaica’s backing of its bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028–29. The joint statement condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and stressed the urgency of concluding the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). Jaishankar announced a contribution of JMD two million for the upcoming India Arrival Day celebrations on May 10.
During his stay in Kingston, Jaishankar engaged with the local business community, interacted with the Indian diaspora, and participated in a public dialogue at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
