Kingston (Jamaica): India has reinforced its strategic outreach in the Caribbean as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted development cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral relations during high-level talks with Jamaica, signalling a renewed push to deepen engagement across multiple sectors.
During his visit to Kingston, Jaishankar held detailed discussions with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, describing the meetings as “comprehensive and very substantive,” while noting that both sides had “reviewed the entire gamut of India-Jamaica relations.”
He said the two countries identified “new avenues for further strengthening our partnership,” with several agreements already signed. Emphasis was placed on the “effective implementation” of MoUs in areas such as digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports, and digital payments to ensure “tangible outcomes on the ground.”
Highlighting development assistance as a key pillar, Jaishankar stated that “development cooperation remains a very important pillar of our co-partnership,” welcoming the successful completion of the ‘Improving Rural Livelihoods’ project in Kingston Town. The initiative, funded through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, has already made a measurable impact.
The Minister said the project has “directly benefited over 200 individuals and has a wider positive impact on thousands in the Kingston Town community.” He also discussed plans for an “artisan empowerment hub for Jamaica,” aligned with broader India-CARICOM development initiatives.
Jaishankar further noted India’s support in Jamaica’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, including the symbolic transfer of “one of the consignments of 10 BHISHM Cubes.” He confirmed that India is “in the process of supplying 30 dialysis units to strengthen the health infrastructure in Jamaica.”
Earlier humanitarian assistance included the dispatch of over 20 tonnes of relief material and the deployment of a medical team. “We deployed a medical team to build local capacities. And these efforts reflect our commitment as a reliable development partner for disaster response,” he added.
Both nations also explored expanding cooperation in “defence and security, healthcare, digitisation, agriculture, education, and infrastructure,” reflecting a broadening strategic agenda.
In wider diplomatic discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the two sides reviewed regional and global developments and reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral platforms, stressing “reformed multilateralism and priorities of the Global South.”
