External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described India-Jamaica relations as being shaped by a blend of “continuity and change,” underscoring a partnership rooted in shared history, strengthened by current cooperation, and aimed at expanding future opportunities. His remarks came during an interview with The Jamaican Gleaner during his ongoing visit to Jamaica, the first by an Indian External Affairs Minister to the Caribbean nation in recent years.
Jaishankar emphasised that the relationship between the two countries is not only diplomatic but also deeply civilisational, shaped significantly by the Indian diaspora in Jamaica. He noted that Indian migration to Jamaica began nearly 180 years ago, with the arrival of indentured labourers aboard the Blundell Hunter in 1845 at Old Harbour Bay, marking the foundation of a lasting cultural and people-to-people connection.
He highlighted that today, the Indian-origin community of around 70,000 people serves as a living bridge between the two nations. According to him, this diaspora has played a key role in shaping Jamaica’s social and economic fabric while preserving cultural traditions, thereby strengthening bilateral ties beyond formal diplomacy. He also noted that diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica were formally established in 1962, but people-to-people connections existed long before that.
Jaishankar pointed out that Indian cultural influences are now deeply embedded in Jamaican society. From cuisine such as curry and roti to the celebration of festivals like Diwali, Phagwa, and Hosay, these shared traditions reflect what he described as a deeper cultural bonding. He also drew attention to the shared admiration between the two nations through global icons such as cricketers Chris Gayle and Michael Holding, sprinter Usain Bolt, musician Bob Marley, and cultural figures like Louise Bennett (“Miss Lou”).
Economically, Jaishankar noted that bilateral trade between India and Jamaica has crossed $100 million in recent years. He said India’s strengths in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, automobile parts, apparel, and digital technologies align well with Jamaica’s ambitions to develop as a logistics and connectivity hub in the Caribbean region.
He also highlighted cooperation in global initiatives, noting Jamaica’s engagement with India-led platforms such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance. These collaborations, he said, reflect shared priorities on sustainable development, climate action, and resilience-building among small island developing states.
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Referring to humanitarian cooperation, Jaishankar recalled India’s assistance to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa last year, when relief materials including medical kits, solar lamps, food supplies, and emergency equipment were dispatched promptly. He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting climate justice and disaster preparedness efforts for vulnerable nations.
During his visit, Jaishankar also toured Old Harbour Bay, where he interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and acknowledged their efforts in preserving cultural identity over generations. He is currently on a nine-day diplomatic tour covering Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, cultural, and developmental engagement with the Caribbean region.
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