Kingston, Jamaica — External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar completed the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian foreign minister to Jamaica (2–4 May 2026), delivering a series of agreements and concrete commitments to deepen ties between the two countries.
During delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identified new areas for cooperation. The visit culminated in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding covering: health cooperation to strengthen medical infrastructure and expertise; renewable energy, including the solarisation of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Building; and media and communications, focused on broadcasting collaboration.
The leaders also reviewed implementation of existing initiatives in digital transformation, culture, sports and digital payments, stressing outcomes on the ground. They noted the completion and handover of the “Improving Rural Livelihoods” project in Kitson Town, carried out under the India‑UN Development Partnership Fund and implemented by the FAO, which benefited more than 200 Jamaicans.
As part of disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Melissa, India handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announced the supply of 30 dialysis units, 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices and related equipment. The two countries discussed establishing an Artisan Empowerment Hub in Jamaica under the India‑CARICOM development partnership to support local livelihoods.
Discussions ranged across healthcare, infrastructure, digitalisation, agriculture, education, tourism and capacity building. India increased ITEC training slots—notably raising defence training allocations from 6 to 34—and highlighted opportunities through ICCR scholarships and digital platforms such as E-Vidyabharati and iGOT Karmayogi. Both sides agreed to intensify trade, investment and business linkages and to facilitate mobility of skilled professionals.
On the multilateral front, India and Jamaica reaffirmed close coordination on Global South priorities, climate justice and climate finance, and issues facing Small Island Developing States. Jamaica reiterated its support for India’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028–29. Both countries condemned terrorism in all forms and urged early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
During the visit, EAM Jaishankar visited the Indian Arrival Memorial at Old Harbour and, with Prime Minister Holness, unveiled a plaque for an India‑gifted electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park. He announced a JMD 2 million contribution for India Arrival Day on 10 May 2026, met business leaders and the Indian diaspora, and took part in a public conversation at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as an important milestone that sets an action‑oriented blueprint for enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation between India and Jamaica.
