India and Jamaica signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in health cooperation, solarisation of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Building, and broadcasting during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s official visit to the Caribbean nation from May 2 to 4.
During the visit — the first by an Indian foreign minister to Jamaica —Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held delegation-level talks with Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith. The discussions reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identified new avenues for cooperation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides reviewed the status of implementation of existing agreements in digital transformation, culture, sports and digital payments, and emphasised the importance of ensuring tangible outcomes. They also acknowledged the completion and handover of the “Improving Rural Livelihoods” project in Kitson Town under the India–UN Development Partnership Fund, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, which has directly benefited over 200 Jamaicans.
India reaffirmed its support to Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa. Jaishankar handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announced the supply of 30 dialysis units, along with 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices and related equipment. Both sides also explored the feasibility of establishing an Artisan Empowerment Hub in Jamaica to support livelihoods under the India–CARICOM development partnership framework.
Further, India and Jamaica discussed expanding cooperation in priority sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, digitalisation, agriculture, education, tourism and capacity building. India reiterated its commitment through enhanced ITEC training slots, particularly for defence training, increasing them from six to 34. They also discussed capacity building through ICCR scholarships and digital learning platforms such as E-Vidyabharati and iGOT Karmyogi. Both sides agreed to strengthen trade, investment and business linkages, including the mobility of skilled professionals.
Additionally, the two countries reaffirmed close coordination in multilateral fora, including on issues relating to the Global South, climate justice, climate finance and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). India appreciated Jamaica’s support for its candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028–29. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated the need for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
During the visit, Jaishankar also visited the Indian Arrival Memorial at Old Harbour and, along with Holness, jointly unveiled a plaque for the India-gifted electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park. He announced a contribution of JMD 2 million for the celebration of India Arrival Day on May 10, 2026.
The EAM also interacted with the business community and members of the Indian diaspora, and participated in a public conversation at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Jaishankar is on a three-nation tour to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2–10, aimed at deepening India’s engagement with the region.
The foreign minister arrived in Suriname on Wednesday on a maiden visit, where he is scheduled to hold talks with his counterpart Melvin Bouva.
