External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Jamaica from 02 - 04 May 2026. This was the first-ever bilateral visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to Jamaica.
2. During the visit, EAM called on Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and held delegation-level talks with Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The discussions reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and identified new avenues for cooperation.
3. Three Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the areas of health cooperation, solarisation of The Hugh Lawson Shearer Building, and broadcasting. Both sides also reviewed the status of implementation of existing agreements in digital transformation, culture, sports, and digital payments, and emphasised the importance of ensuring tangible outcomes.
4. Both sides acknowledged the completion and handover of the "Improving Rural Livelihoods” project in Kitson Town under the India–UN Development Partnership Fund, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which has directly benefited over 200 Jamaicans.
5. India reaffirmed its support to Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa. EAM handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announced the supply of 30 dialysis units, along with 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices, and related equipment. Both sides also explored the feasibility of establishing an Artisan Empowerment Hub in Jamaica to support livelihoods under the India–CARICOM development partnership framework.
6. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in priority sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, digitalisation, agriculture, education, tourism, and capacity building. India reiterated its commitment through enhanced ITEC training slots, particularly for defence training from 6 to 34 slots. They also discussed capacity building with ICCR scholarships, and digital learning platforms such as E-Vidyabharati and iGOT Karmyogi. They also agreed to strengthen trade, investment, and business linkages, including mobility of skilled professionals.
7. The two sides reaffirmed close coordination in multilateral fora, including on issues relating to the Global South, climate justice, climate finance, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). India appreciated Jamaica’s support for its candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028–29. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated the need for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
8. During the visit, EAM visited the Indian Arrival Memorial at Old Harbour and, along with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, jointly unveiled a plaque for the India-gifted electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park. He announced contribution of JMD 2 million for celebration of India Arrival Day on 10 May 2026. He also interacted with the business community and members of the Indian diaspora, and participated in a public conversation at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
9. The visit marks an important milestone in further strengthening India–Jamaica relations and enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation.
Kingston
May 05, 2026