Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister to India. At a joint press conference following their discussions, PM Modi emphasized India’s role as a “trustworthy and dedicated” partner in Jamaica’s development journey.
Celebrating Cultural and Historical Connections
PM Modi expressed his happiness at Holness’s visit, highlighting the importance of “people-to-people” ties between the two nations. “Our relations are defined by four Cs: culture, cricket, Commonwealth, and CARICOM,” he stated, underlining the shared history and democratic values that bind India and Jamaica.
During the press conference, PM Modi noted the increasing business and investment opportunities between the two countries. He specifically mentioned India’s contributions to Jamaica’s skill development through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships.
Collaborative Initiatives
The two leaders discussed several initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. PM Modi expressed India’s readiness to share expertise in areas such as digital public infrastructure, small-scale industries, biofuel, health, education, and agriculture. He also emphasized the need for capacity building and training for the Jamaican military to address common challenges like organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
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PM Modi highlighted the deep historical ties between the nations, noting that approximately 70,000 people of Indian origin now reside in Jamaica. He thanked PM Holness and his government for their support in caring for this community.
Cultural Exchange and Global Issues
Both leaders acknowledged the mutual appreciation for cultural exchanges, with PM Modi praising Jamaica’s embrace of Indian culture, including yoga and Bollywood. He also noted the rising popularity of Jamaican reggae and dance forms in India.
On global matters, PM Modi reaffirmed that India and Jamaica share a common stance on reforming global organizations, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In a gesture of friendship, he announced that the road in front of the Jamaican High Commission in New Delhi will now be known as “Jamaica Marg,” symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Jamaican Prime Minister’s Appreciation
In his address, PM Holness expressed gratitude for India’s warm hospitality and support throughout the years. He highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian community to Jamaica’s development in various sectors, including health, education, and IT. Holness noted that Jamaica commemorates Indian Heritage Day annually on May 10 to honor the arrival of Indians in 1845.
He also acknowledged India’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic through the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, which facilitated the supply of vaccines to Jamaica. Additionally, he praised India’s role in providing scholarships and training under the ITEC program.
Looking Ahead
Touching on security, PM Holness recognized India’s leadership in technology-driven solutions, calling it a natural ally for Jamaica. “Energy security is crucial for both Jamaica and India. As a small developing state, Jamaica’s development is closely tied to its energy security,” he stated.
The two leaders’ meeting is set to further bolster bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties between India and Jamaica, paving the way for a fruitful partnership in the years to come.
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