External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India recognises Jamaica’s growing strategic and economic importance in the Caribbean, describing the island as an emerging logistics hub and gateway for trade, business and investment. He made the remarks at a joint press conference in Kingston following talks with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith and a call with Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Jaishankar’s trip — the first bilateral visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Jamaica — was framed as a milestone in elevating ties between the two countries. Officials called the discussions comprehensive and substantive, covering the full range of bilateral relations, identifying new areas for cooperation and stressing effective implementation of existing agreements on digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports and digital payments.
Development cooperation was prominent on the agenda. Jaishankar highlighted the recent completion of a rural livelihoods project in Kitson Town, supported by India under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which directly benefited more than 200 people and had wider impact across the community. Officials are also discussing creation of an artisan empowerment hub in Jamaica under the India-CARICOM framework.
Reiterating India’s assistance during crises, Jaishankar said New Delhi continues to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, supplying relief materials, medical teams and additional aid including dialysis units, emergency-response “BHISHM cubes”, fishing boats and GPS devices to bolster local resilience.
Both countries agreed to expand cooperation across defence, healthcare, agriculture, education, digitalisation and infrastructure. India has increased capacity-building efforts for Jamaica, adding training slots for defence personnel and offering extra scholarships and technical training opportunities.
On global issues, the two governments reaffirmed shared positions on reformed multilateralism, climate justice and the concerns of Small Island Developing States. Jamaica confirmed its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028–29. Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and urged early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Jaishankar also noted deep cultural and historical links, citing the Indian diaspora’s contributions and growing local interest in Yoga and Ayurveda. He announced a financial contribution to mark 181 years since the arrival of Indians in Jamaica and paid respects at the Indian Arrival Memorial. A symbolic gesture during the visit was the unveiling of an electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park, gifted by India, underscoring the cricketing ties between the nations.
Jaishankar said the visit represents a significant step toward a stronger, more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between India and Jamaica.
