External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described the relationship between India and Jamaica as one defined by ‘continuity and change’, stressing that their ties are rooted in shared history, strengthened by present cooperation, and focused on a future of expanding opportunities. Jaishankar said both nations must continue working together to build a deeper and more resilient partnership that benefits their people and contributes to a more equitable global order.
The minister arrived in Jamaica on Saturday—his first visit to the Caribbean country—with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted the significance of the Indian diaspora, which has maintained links with Jamaica for around 180 years, noting that it gives the relationship a ‘special flavour’.
Jaishankar observed that for many Indians, Jamaica evokes images of iconic figures such as cricketers Michael Holding and Chris Gayle, musicians Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, athletes Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson-Herah, and cultural figure Louise Bennett-Coverley. He said these associations reflect a deeper connection between the two countries, which are both part of the Global South and members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
“India and Jamaica are pluralistic societies, political democracies, and market economies,” Jaishankar noted, adding that the partnership is ‘a story of continuity and change’, anchored in the past while being energised by present collaboration and future possibilities.
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He traced the origins of the relationship to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Indian indentured workers first arrived in Jamaica. The journey began in 1845 with the arrival of Indians aboard the Blundell Hunter at Old Harbour Bay.
Today, a community of about 70,000 people of Indian origin serves as a living bridge between the two nations. Jaishankar said the Indian-Jamaican community continues to play a dynamic role in strengthening ties, noting that when formal diplomatic relations were established in 1962, they institutionalised a connection that people had already built.
He emphasised that the diaspora’s contributions continue to shape Jamaica’s social and economic landscape, creating bonds that go beyond formal diplomacy. As part of his visit, Jaishankar also travelled to Old Harbour, the historic landing site of the first Indians, where he interacted with members of the diaspora.
In a post on X, he expressed satisfaction at witnessing how the community has preserved its cultural heritage, traditions, and identity, and thanked local ministers for their presence during the visit.
The minister also pointed to the influence of Indian culture in Jamaican society, evident in cuisine such as curry and roti, and in the celebration of festivals like Diwali, Phagwa, and Hosay.
Highlighting economic cooperation, Jaishankar said bilateral trade between the two countries has crossed $100 million in recent years. He noted that India’s strengths in pharmaceuticals, apparel, engineering goods, auto components, and digital technologies complement Jamaica’s ambition to develop as a logistics and connectivity hub in the Caribbean.
He also underlined Jamaica’s participation in India-led global initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance as key areas of collaboration.
Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening as part of the first leg of his nine-day tour, which will also take him to Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, with the broader goal of deepening India’s strategic and cultural engagement with Caribbean countries.
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