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.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in 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 gifted ten Bhishma Cube mobile hospital systems to Jamaica. Designed for rapid deployment, these mobile hospitals will assist Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. This gift symbolizes friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and is a result of innovation.
Jaishankar is on an official tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 2 to May 10, recognizing the special connection these countries share with India due to the presence of the Girmitiya communities.
Throughout this tour, he will meet with the leadership of all three nations and discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual benefit with his counterparts.
Previously, 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 appreciated their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.
He shared on his official ‘X’ account, “I was very pleased 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.”