Kingston, May 5 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said development cooperation continues to be a central pillar of India–Jamaica relations as both countries seek to deepen ties and explore fresh areas of collaboration. Speaking after in-depth talks with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, he said the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identified new avenues to strengthen the partnership.
Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, with an emphasis on swift and effective implementation in priority areas including digital transformation, cultural exchanges, sports, and digital payments to achieve concrete outcomes for citizens. Jaishankar welcomed the completion in March of an India-supported project, Improving Rural Livelihoods in Kingston Town, funded with USD 1 million through the India–UN Development Partnership Fund. He noted the project directly benefited more than 200 people and had a positive impact on thousands in the community.
Building on that work, India and Jamaica discussed establishing an artisan empowerment hub in Jamaica under the India–CARICOM Development Partnership to boost skills, market access, and sustainable livelihoods for local artisans. Jaishankar also highlighted India’s assistance following Hurricane Melissa: the handover of one consignment of 10 BHISHM Cubes, plans to provide 30 dialysis units to strengthen health infrastructure, and earlier humanitarian support that included over 20 tonnes of relief material delivered by an Indian Air Force aircraft and the deployment of a medical team to help build local capacity.
Both sides agreed to broaden cooperation across defence and security, healthcare, digitisation, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. In talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Jaishankar and Jamaican leaders addressed regional and global issues and reaffirmed close collaboration in multilateral fora, underscoring the need for reformed multilateralism and a focus on Global South priorities.
