India, Jamaica To Deepen Trade Ties, Explore Skilled Workforce Cooperation

New Delhi, May 5 (KNN) India and Jamaica have agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties while exploring cooperation in the recruitment and mobility of skilled professionals, including healthcare workers and teachers. 

The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar following talks with his Jamaican counterpart Kamina Johnson Smith in Kingston on Monday.

Addressing a joint press conference, he said discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with both sides identifying new avenues to deepen engagement, reported PTI.

Agreements and Expanding Cooperation

Jaishankar  noted, "We signed several important agreements and discussed effective implementations of MOUs which have been recently concluded in the fields of digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports and digital payments to ensure tangible outcomes on the ground," as quoted by PTI.

India also acknowledged Jamaica’s growing role as a logistics hub and gateway to the Caribbean region, underlining opportunities to expand trade, business and investment linkages.

"We agreed to further strengthen trade, business and investment linkages, explore cooperation for recruitment and mobility of skilled professionals, including nurses, healthcare workers and teachers," he added.

Development Partnership and Aid Support

Development cooperation remains a key pillar of the relationship. Jaishankar highlighted the completion of a rural livelihoods project in Kitson Town in March 2026, supported by Indian funding under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.

India is also examining the feasibility of setting up an artisan empowerment hub in Jamaica. Reiterating support following Hurricane Melissa, India has provided relief supplies, deployed a medical team, and is in the process of delivering dialysis units, fishing boats and GPS equipment to assist recovery efforts.

Shared Global Priorities

The two sides reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums, with discussions focusing on issues such as reformed multilateralism, climate justice and priorities of the Global South. Jamaica reiterated its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2028–29.

During the visit, Jaishankar also met Jamaican industry leaders, emphasising the need to deepen economic engagement as countries diversify global partnerships.

(KNN Bureau)