External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Jamaica, met with ministers and business leaders in Kingston to discuss enhancing cooperation across sectors. He met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to focus on economic and people-to-people collaboration. Jaishankar also presented 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, aimed at aiding the country during emergencies.
Additionally, Jaishankar held talks with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina J. Smith and other Cabinet Ministers to review the partnership between the two nations. Discussions included advancing ties in education, health, agriculture, digital, tourism, sports, entertainment, infrastructure, capacity building, and multilateral issues. Jaishankar emphasized the need to strengthen India-Jamaica business relations for mutual and regional benefits during a meeting with industry and business leaders.
The visit to Jamaica is part of Jaishankar’s broader itinerary, which includes upcoming visits to Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. These countries have a special connection with India due to the presence of Girmitiya communities. ‘Girmitiyas’ were Indian indentured laborers who migrated to British colonies in the 19th century, with many settling there over time.
