India’s external affairs minister marks historic Jamaica visit with heritage and cricket ties

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar made a historic official visit to Jamaica, the first by an Indian external affairs minister, with engagements highlighting the two countries’ shared history, diplomatic ties, cricket links and development cooperation.

The visit opened at the Indian Arrival Monument in Old Harbour, St Catherine, where Jamaican officials and diplomats welcomed the minister and his delegation. A plaque was unveiled at the site, which commemorates the arrival of the first Indians to Jamaica in 1845 as indentured labourers. Speakers noted that the memorial, first established in 1983 through the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Indian community, remains a symbol of the long relationship between Jamaica and India.

The delegation later moved to Sabina Park in Kingston for the unveiling of a friendship logo and plaque, along with recognition of India’s support for cricket infrastructure. The new state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard was described as a gift from the people of India to Jamaica. Officials also recalled India’s US$2.1 million grant for floodlights at Sabina Park in 2014 and the donation of more than 90 cricket kits, valued at about US$50,000, to the Jamaica Cricket Association in January 2024 for distribution to schools.

Jamaican leaders said the partnership extends beyond sport into education, health, agriculture, security, culture and capacity building. The visit also came as the countries marked 64 years of diplomatic relations, established on August 12, 1962, shortly after Jamaica’s Independence.

Dr. Jaishankar said India and Jamaica are separated by distance but linked by shared struggles, aspirations and Global South priorities. He cited India’s support during hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, and said cricket remains one of the special bonds between both nations.

The programme also included a courtesy call on Prime Minister Andrew Holness, where memoranda of understanding were signed covering digital transformation, health services, sports and culture. At the University of the West Indies, Mona, Dr. Jaishankar delivered a lecture touching on India’s contribution to global growth, demographic change, skills gaps, climate events, international cooperation and the need for reform of global institutions.