India and Jamaica agreed on measures to enhance cooperation in healthcare and clean energy during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the Caribbean nation, with both sides stressing the importance of ensuring tangible outcomes from existing agreements.
Jaishankar was the first Indian foreign minister to pay a bilateral visit to Jamaica, the first stop on a three-nation tour that will also take him to Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. While in Jamaica from May 2 to 4, Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and held talks with Foreign Minister Kamena Johnson-Smith to review bilateral relations and identify new ways of cooperation.
The two sides signed three memorandums of understanding for cooperation in the fields of health and medicine, the electrification of the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs building with solar energy, and cooperation between state-run broadcasting organizations.
“The two sides also reviewed the status of implementation of existing agreements in the areas of digital transformation, culture, sports and digital payments, and stressed the importance of ensuring tangible results,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Both sides acknowledged the completion of a project in Kitson Town under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which was implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and benefited more than 200 Jamaicans.
The Indian side reiterated its support for Jamaica’s recovery from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and Jaishankar handed over 10 BHISHM Cube mobile hospital systems, designed for rapid deployment and intended to assist Jamaica in responding to disasters and emergencies.
He also announced the supply of 30 dialysis units, 40 motorized fishing boats, 200 GPS devices and related equipment.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation in priority sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, digitalisation, agriculture, education and tourism. India reiterated its commitment to enhance training opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, especially for defense training, from six to 34.
The two sides also agreed to enhance trade, investment and commerce ties, including the movement of skilled professionals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said.
The Indian side expressed appreciation for Jamaica’s support for its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2028-2029. Both countries condemned all forms of terrorism and called for the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Jaishankar also visited the Indian Arrival Memorial at Old Harbor near Kingston and jointly unveiled a plaque with PM Holness of India’s gifted electronic scoreboard at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground. He also announced that India will contribute $2 million Jamaican dollars to celebrate India’s Arrival Day on May 10.
