New Delhi, May 4: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness during his visit to Jamaica. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing relations between the two countries.
Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at meeting Prime Minister Holness and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the importance of deepening political, economic, and mutual cooperation, appreciating Holness’s commitment to strengthening India-Jamaica relations.
During the meeting, in the presence of Jamaica’s Health Minister Christopher Tufton and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, India formally presented ten Bhishm Cube mobile hospital systems as a gift to Jamaica. Designed for rapid deployment, the Bhishm Cube mobile hospital system will assist Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. This gift symbolizes friendship, commitment to disaster preparedness, and innovation.
Jaishankar is on an official tour to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2 to May 10. These countries share a special connection with India due to the presence of Girmitiya communities.
Throughout his tour, the External Affairs Minister will meet with leaders from all three countries and discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual benefit with his counterparts.
Earlier, during his Caribbean tour, Jaishankar visited Old Harbour in Jamaica, a significant site linked to the history of Indian migrants. He met with the Indian community and praised their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.
He shared on his official ‘X’ account, “It was a pleasure to visit the historic site of Old Harbour, where Indians first arrived in Jamaica over 180 years ago. I engaged with members of the Indian diaspora and saw how they have preserved their culture, traditions, and identity.”