Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on securing his third consecutive term in the recent parliamentary elections. Modi conveyed his eagerness to strengthen the bonds of friendship and enhance cooperation between India and Jamaica.
The Jamaica Labour Party, led by Holness, secured a victory with at least 34 seats in the 63-seat parliament. Despite a low voter turnout, Holness acknowledged the challenges ahead and committed to working towards a better future for Jamaica.
India and Jamaica have traditionally shared cordial and friendly relations, rooted in historical connections, parliamentary democracy, and membership in the Commonwealth. A significant Indian diaspora of around 70,000 people in Jamaica serves as a bridge between the two nations. Both countries share similar aspirations for economic growth, equity, poverty reduction, and improved quality of life for their citizens.
In a demonstration of strengthened ties, India and Jamaica signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Holness's visit to India. These MoUs covered various areas, including:
During his visit with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi in October 2024, Holness voiced his support for India's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Modi pledged to share India's expertise with Jamaica in areas like digital public infrastructure, small-scale industries, biofuel, innovation, health, education, and agriculture. India also offered to train Jamaican troops and assist in capacity-building in the defense sector.
Looking ahead, Jamaica and India are scheduled to engage in a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) to further strengthen bilateral relations. The High Commissioner of India has highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as solar energy, agriculture, IT, and STEM education.
Bilateral trade between India and Jamaica has seen consistent growth, with a 26% increase in 2023-24, reaching USD 116.73 million. In a gesture of partnership, India recently sent emergency medical equipment, generators, and disaster relief infrastructure to Jamaica.
Prime Minister Holness described his official visit to India as a success, marking the beginning of a new era in Jamaica-India relations. He acknowledged India's rapid economic growth and global leadership, offering Jamaica significant opportunities for deeper partnership and cooperation. Discussions have also explored potential collaboration between Bollywood and Jamaica's film industry, as well as cooperation in sports, focusing on Jamaica's track and field prowess and India's success in cricket and chess.
