The first-ever visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister to India, scheduled from September 30 to October 3, 2024, marks a historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. It promises to deepen bilateral collaboration with the two sides signing four key agreements on Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation, Digital Payments Partnership, Cultural Exchange Programme, and Sports Cooperation.
According to Prime Minister Modi, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across all sectors and identified several new initiatives.
“Trade and investment between India and Jamaica is growing. India has always been a reliable and committed development partner in Jamaica’s journey of development. All our efforts in this direction have been centered around the needs of the people of Jamaica. Through ITEC and ICCR scholarships, we have contributed to the skill development and capacity building of the people of Jamaica,” Prime Minister Modi pointed out.
He stated that India was ready to share its experience with Jamaica in areas like Digital Public Infrastructure, small industries, biofuel, innovation, health, education, agriculture. India would also move forward in training and capacity building of the Jamaican military in the field of defence, he added.
“Organised Crime, drug trafficking, terrorism are our common challenges. We agree to face these challenges together. We would be pleased to share our successful experience in the space sector with Jamaica as well,” Prime Minister Modi said.
‘Sports a Very Important Connecting Link’
Prime Minister Modi described sports as “a very strong and important connecting link” in relations between the two nations.
“Be it the legendary fast bowling of Courtney Walsh or the fiery batting of Chris Gayle, people of India have a special affection for Jamaican cricketers. We also discussed deepening our cooperation in sports. I am confident that the outcomes from today’s discussions will propel our relationship at a pace faster than Usain Bolt, allowing us to continually reach new heights,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Modi went on to say that Reggae and Dancehall from Jamaica were becoming popular in India just the way Yoga, Bollywood and folk music from India have been adopted in Jamaica. “The cultural exchange program being conducted today will further strengthen our mutual closeness,” he added.
We have decided to name the road in front of the Jamaica High Commission in Delhi as “Jamaica Marg”. This road will symbolize our enduring friendship and collaboration for generations to come.
Prime Minister Modi referred to the nearly 70,000 people of Indian origin who call Jamaica home as “a living example of our shared heritage”. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Holness and the Jamaican government for their care and for supporting the community.
India and Jamaica Sign Four Key Agreements
Four key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, reflecting the growing scope of collaboration between India and Jamaica.
Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation: One of the most significant outcomes of the visit is the MoU on digital public infrastructure, which aims to promote financial inclusion and drive social and economic transformation in Jamaica. Signed by Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Pankaj Chaudhary, India’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, the agreement highlights India’s success in leveraging digital solutions for governance and public service delivery. Jamaica seeks to replicate India’s achievements in using digital infrastructure, particularly during COVID-19, to strengthen its own economy and improve access to services.
Digital Payments Partnership: Another pivotal MoU was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited (India) and Egov Jamaica Limited. This agreement, also signed by Dana Morris Dixon and Pankaj Chaudhary, lays the groundwork for collaboration in digital payment systems. Through this partnership, Jamaica aims to adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) technology, which has revolutionized digital payments in India.
Cultural Exchange Programme: To foster cultural ties, an MoU on the Cultural Exchange Program was signed for the period 2024-2029. This agreement will encourage the exchange of cultural practices, knowledge, and activities between India and Jamaica. Signed by Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Pankaj Chaudhary, the agreement will promote cooperation between cultural institutions, strengthening bilateral relations through art, heritage, and education.
Sports Cooperation: Sports cooperation is another area where India and Jamaica aim to collaborate, given both nations’ rich sporting histories. An MoU on cooperation in sports was signed between India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. This partnership will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise in sports development and management, potentially enhancing Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure and talent development.
