First visit of Jamaican PM to India to begin today

New Delhi, Sep 29: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. Andrew Holness, will make an official visit to India from September 30 to October 3, 2024. This marks the first-ever bilateral visit of a Jamaican Prime Minister to India.

During his visit, Prime Minister Holness will hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Modi and meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He is also expected to engage with business leaders and other dignitaries, with several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) anticipated to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

India and Jamaica share deep historical and cultural ties, rooted in their colonial past, democratic values, and shared love for cricket. The visit is expected to boost economic cooperation and deepen diplomatic relations, further solidifying the longstanding bonds between the two nations.

Jamaica’s 70,000-strong Indian diaspora, a key link between the countries, plays a major role in bonding the relationship. Diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica have been active since Jamaica’s independence in 1962, with a resident mission established in Kingston in 1976 and Jamaica’s resident mission in India beginning in 2020.

India and Jamaica share common concerns as developing nations, including food, health, and energy security, as well as climate change and disaster resilience. Both countries have worked closely on multilateral platforms, reflecting a convergence of views on global issues.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Holness have previously met at various international events, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), BRICS, and G20 summits. Their upcoming bilateral meeting in India is expected to further enhance cooperation between the two nations.