India and Jamaica have a strong relationship, with development cooperation being a key aspect, according to Indian Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar.

During a press conference held after his meeting with Jamaican counterpart Kamina J. Smith, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of development cooperation in the relationship between India and Jamaica.

He stated that both countries were actively seeking new opportunities to deepen their bilateral engagement. EAM Jaishankar described their talks as comprehensive and substantive, covering a wide range of topics related to the India-Jamaica partnership. He also mentioned that they had identified new areas for cooperation and were committed to strengthening their partnership.

Several agreements had been signed, and they discussed the effective implementation of recently concluded MOUs in areas such as digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports, and digital payments. The EAM emphasized the need for tangible outcomes on the ground. He stressed that development cooperation was a crucial aspect of their partnership and expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion and handover of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project in Kingston Town, which was supported by India through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.

This project has directly benefited over 200 individuals and had a positive impact on thousands in the Kingston Town community. EAM Jaishankar also mentioned that they had explored the possibility of establishing an artisan empowerment hub for Jamaica as part of India's commitment under the India-CARICOM Development Partnership. He expressed his satisfaction with India's role in providing support for Jamaica's recovery and reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Melissa last year.

The EAM also highlighted India's contributions in the field of healthcare, including the symbolic handing over of 10 BHISHM Cubes and the ongoing process of supplying 30 dialysis units to strengthen Jamaica's health infrastructure. He also mentioned the humanitarian assistance provided by India after the hurricane, where over twenty tonnes of relief material were delivered through an Indian Air Force plane. India has also deployed a medical team to build local capacities, showcasing their commitment as a reliable development partner in times of disaster.

Their discussions also covered expanding cooperation in areas such as defence and security, healthcare, digitization, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. EAM Jaishankar also had the opportunity to meet with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, where they discussed key regional and global developments and reaffirmed their close cooperation in multilateral fora, particularly on reformed multilateralism and the priorities of the Global South. In conclusion, EAM Jaishankar expressed his confidence that the outcome of their discussions would contribute to a stronger, more dynamic, beneficial, and trust-based partnership between India and Jamaica.

He also thanked the media for their coverage and support in building a stronger relationship between the two countries.