Mayank Joshi | India and Jamaica: Forging a future for sustainable growth and development

As I begin my diplomatic assignment in Jamaica, it is notable that August is a special month for both countries. Not only do we celebrate our independence from colonial rule, but we also commemorate our historical ties, having established diplomatic relations on August 12, 1962. I also take this opportunity to express solidarity with the resilient people of Jamaica in their recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl.

India, the world’s most populous country and the fifth-largest economy, is undergoing a significant transformation into a vibrant and globally relevant player. With an average economic growth rate of over seven per cent, secure digital infrastructure, ease of doing business, resilient multi-modal development, new-age technologies-driven start-up revolution, and a highly skilled workforce, India is poised to become a US$5-trillion economy. The country aspires to become self-reliant, while contributing to global initiatives under the ethos ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which was also the focus of the G20 summit chaired by India in 2023.

Jamaica holds a special place in our hearts, with our relations dating back to 1845, when the first ship carrying 200 Indians arrived on the island’s shores. Our bilateral relations have since flourished, rooted in a shared history, democracy, cultural exchanges, and a mutual love for cricket. The vibrant Indian diaspora in Jamaica, estimated at over 70,000, serves as a strong bridge of friendship between our two countries, contributing significantly in sectors like healthcare and information technology. Jamaican culture, especially reggae music and sports, and our mystic connection through Rastafarianism, has captivated India and the world. Similarly, Jamaicans have embraced Indian Bollywood films, jewellery, cuisine (such as curry goat and roti), and numerous other cultural elements.

As natural partners and vibrant democracies, India and Jamaica are committed to a stable and peaceful, rules-based international order that is inclusive. The prime ministers of India and Jamaica, Narendra Modi and Andrew Holness, have met multiple times in recent years, and there have been frequent high-level meetings at the ministerial level, particularly foreign ministers. The historic visit of India’s former President Ram Nath Kovind to Jamaica in May 2022 – the first such visit in 60 years – further solidified our ties.

VITAL PILLARS

Trade, investment, and economic cooperation are vital pillars of our friendship. India is keen to share its digital payment systems, such as India Stack and the unified payment interface (UPI), with Jamaica to enhance economic linkages. There is immense potential for joint ventures and investments in manufacturing sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, medicine and pharmaceuticals, wellness, education, agriculture, which can create jobs and boost both economies. As the ‘pharmacy of the world’, India can provide Jamaica with high-quality, affordable medicines through its pharmacopoeia. Jamaican companies can work with Indian companies, actively vying the Caribbean region for forging supply chain diversification and resource partnerships, and explore bridging the trade gaps.

Development partnership is a key component of our bilateral cooperation, and India is keen to support Jamaica’s journey to achieve their Vision 2030. In 2023, India offered US$1 million in support for small and medium enterprises projects in the Caribbean, with Jamaica as a potential beneficiary. Additionally, India is aiding livelihood improvements in Kitson Town through a US$1-million development programme implemented by the Food and Agricultural Organization. Medical partnerships have also been strengthened, with over 30 medical camps organised across Jamaica under the theme ‘Reaching the unreached, touching the untouched, and serving the unserved’. The recent presentation of 100 cricket kits to Jamaica further nurtures our shared love for cricket.

India is actively involved in skill development and capacity-building efforts in Jamaica. I am pleased to share that 50 slots are now being offered to Jamaica under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation scholarships, and five slots are being offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for cultural exchanges. These training programmes include areas such as defence, bolstering cooperation between our two countries.

TRAINING

Further cooperation is being explored in the training of diplomatic personnel through a signed memorandum of understanding, as well as in media, culture, and sports. Strengthening education linkages and training programmes in IT, medicine, agriculture, and other sectors by connecting institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management with counterparts in Jamaica would add immense value.

India is increasingly recognised as a responsible global power, the country is taking the lead in organising Voice of Global South Summits, and has raised concerns on issues related to food security, healthcare, climate change, and supply chain resilience. India strongly advocates for reformed multilateralism, climate justice, and action, and stands firmly against all forms of terrorism. We are bringing to the world both technology and tradition, offering digital solutions like UPI alongside practices like yoga and ayurveda (holistic system of medicine developed in India more than 3,000 years ago). Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has launched global initiatives such as Mission Lifestyle for Environment, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, aimed at preserving the planet, people, and valued partnerships. Jamaica is a key partner in these initiatives, and working together on such initiative reinforces our relationship, which continues to grow stronger.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the government and people of Jamaica for continued success, happiness, and prosperity. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Jamaica.

On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, I extend warm greetings to Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, the Government and people of Jamaica, the Indian community and friends of India in Jamaica.

Mayank Joshi is the high commissioner of India to Jamaica. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and cons.kingston@mea.gov.in