Kingston [Jamaica], May 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has affirmed that India remains a committed partner in Jamaica’s post-disaster recovery following high-level discussions with the nation’s leadership.
The remarks were made after his meeting with Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith and other Cabinet ministers, where both sides reviewed bilateral ties and humanitarian cooperation. During the discussions, Jaishankar conducted an in-depth review of the India-Jamaica partnership.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Kingston on Saturday, is currently on the opening leg of a nine-day, three-nation tour that includes visits to Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The visit is aimed at further bolstering India’s strategic and cultural presence in the Caribbean region.
“India is proud to support Jamaica’s recovery and reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa. This morning, there was a symbolic handover of one of the consignments of 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes,” Jaishankar said.
The minister highlighted that the provision of these medical cubes is part of a broader effort to strengthen the local healthcare system. “We are also in the process of supplying 30 dialysis units to strengthen the health infrastructure in Jamaica,” he added.
According to Jaishankar, this latest support builds upon immediate relief efforts coordinated by New Delhi shortly after the natural disaster struck. “This is in continuation of the earlier humanitarian assistance provided in the aftermath of the hurricane, where more than 20 tons of relief material were delivered through an Indian Air Force plane,” he noted.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said the discussions focused on “taking forward our ties in education and health, agriculture and digital, tourism, sports and entertainment, infrastructure, capacity building, and multilateral issues.”
Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, the talks focused on deepening long-term strategic and economic ties across several sectors. “We have been discussing expanding our cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, particularly defense and security, healthcare digitization, agriculture, education, and infrastructure,” Jaishankar said.
The diplomatic engagements were followed by an interaction with Jamaica’s prominent industry and business leaders. During the session, the minister stressed the importance of strengthening economic links as nations globally seek to diversify their partnerships.
“Emphasized that as we all diversify and seek reliable partners, the imperative to deepen India-Jamaica business ties is that much stronger,” Jaishankar said, adding that the potential for bilateral and regional economic cooperation should be “explored more vigorously.”
The minister further underscored the Caribbean nation’s strategic importance for Indian economic interests in the region. “India also recognizes Jamaica’s growing role as a logistics hub and a gateway to the Caribbean for trade, business, and investment,” he said.
Jaishankar also expressed his appreciation to Industry Minister Aubyn Hill for facilitating the dialogue with the business community to enhance trade and investment between the two nations. (ANI)
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