ECNETNews, New Delhi, October 2, 2024: In a significant move to strengthen diplomatic ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the official naming of the road in front of the Jamaica High Commission as Jamaica Marg. This act symbolizes the deepening relationship between India and Jamaica.
During a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on October 1, PM Modi expressed an optimistic outlook on the burgeoning friendship, stating the nations’ collaboration will progress “faster than Usain Bolt.”
Emphasizing the importance of sports in cultural exchange, PM Modi remarked, “Both India and Jamaica are cricket-loving nations, and sports are vital in fostering our strong ties.” He highlighted the significant affection Indians have for Jamaican cricketers and noted that the recent discussions are poised to elevate their collaboration to new heights.
Prime Minister Modi also celebrated the Indian diaspora in Jamaica, referring to them as a “living example” of rich cultural heritage, and recognized the nearly 70,000 individuals of Indian descent residing there. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Holness for his commitment to their well-being.
Prime Minister Holness’s visit to India from September 30 to October 3 marks the inaugural official bilateral visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister. Modi expressed confidence that this landmark visit would infuse new vitality into India-Jamaica relations and enhance India’s involvement with the broader Caribbean region.
Modi praised India’s role as a steadfast development partner for Jamaica, highlighting the historical ties that link the two nations. Diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica began on August 12, 1962, with a resident mission established in Kingston in 1976 following a visit by PM Indira Gandhi in 1975. Jamaica also opened its resident mission in India in 2020.
Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the strong bilateral ties, stressing Jamaica’s eagerness to learn from India. “As India establishes itself as the knowledge capital of the world, we commend the remarkable progress your government has made in STEM education and digitalization,” he stated. “We look forward to India guiding us in technological advancement as Jamaica prepares its citizens to thrive in a dynamic, evolving landscape.”
