India–Jamaica Development Partnership Strengthens as Jaishankar Reviews Key Cooperation Initiatives and New Roadmap
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held comprehensive talks with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, reviewing India–Jamaica development cooperation across multiple sectors including digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports, and digital payments. The meeting highlighted new agreements, MoU implementation, rural livelihood projects, humanitarian assistance, and plans for an Artisan Empowerment Hub under the India–CARICOM Development Partnership. India’s support for Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa and its USD 1 million UNDP-funded Kitson Town project were also emphasized, benefiting over 200 individuals and impacting thousands across the community.
Dr. Jaishankar, addressing the media after the meeting, said that the discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identified new avenues to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He confirmed that both sides signed several important agreements and reviewed the effective implementation of recently concluded Memorandums of Understanding across key sectors, including digital transformation, cultural exchange, sports, and digital payments, with an emphasis on ensuring tangible outcomes on the ground.
Highlighting development cooperation outcomes, the External Affairs Minister noted the successful completion and formal handover of a rural livelihoods improvement project in Kitson Town in March this year. The initiative was implemented with India’s assistance of one million US dollars under the India–United Nations Development Partnership Fund.
He further stated that the project has directly benefited more than 200 individuals while creating a wider positive impact on thousands of residents within the Kitson Town community, strengthening local livelihoods and economic resilience.
Dr. Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s support for Jamaica’s recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa, underlining India’s commitment to humanitarian and developmental assistance in times of need.
In addition, he revealed that India and Jamaica are currently evaluating the feasibility of establishing an Artisan Empowerment Hub in Jamaica. The proposed initiative forms part of India’s broader commitment under the India–CARICOM Development Partnership framework, aimed at enhancing skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.
The engagement underscored a forward-looking and development-focused partnership, reinforcing both nations’ intent to deepen cooperation across strategic and people-centric sectors.

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