New Delhi, May 5: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina J. Smith during his visit to Jamaica. The discussions focused on various issues, including education, health, and agriculture.
Minister Jaishankar shared a photo of the meeting on the social media platform X, highlighting the topics discussed, which included education and health, agriculture and digital initiatives, tourism, sports and entertainment, infrastructure, capacity building, and multilateral issues.
He noted, “This morning, I had a meeting with Foreign Minister Kamina J. Smith and other cabinet ministers to review various aspects of our partnership. We discussed advancing our relations in education and health, agriculture and digital initiatives, tourism, sports and entertainment, infrastructure, capacity building, and multilateral matters.”
Additionally, the External Affairs Minister engaged with Jamaican industry and business leaders. He emphasized the growing need to deepen business relations as they seek reliable partners. “As we all work in different ways, the need to strengthen business relations has become even more critical. We need to explore the potential for economic cooperation from both sides and for the region,” he stated, thanking Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill for convening the meeting.
During the meeting, India formally presented ten Bhishma Cubes to Jamaica as a gift, in the presence of Jamaican Health Minister Christopher Tufton and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith. The Bhishma Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will assist Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. This gift symbolizes friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and is a result of innovation.
It is noteworthy that Minister Jaishankar is on an official visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2 to May 10, reflecting the special connection these countries have with India due to the presence of the Girmitiya communities.