Jaishankar calls India-Jamaica's ties a story of continuity and change

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the ties between India and Jamaica are characterised by "continuity and change" as he emphasised that this relationship is rooted in a shared history, energised by current cooperation, and aimed at a future filled with greater possibilities. In an interview with The Jamaican Gleaner, Jaishankar also said that both countries "must continue to work together to build a deeper and more resilient partnership that works for both our people and contributes to a more just world." He said that the Indian diaspora, which has a link with Jamaica for 180 years, "gives our ties a special flavour". He further mentioned that, for many Indians, the mention of Jamaica will immediately elicit thoughts of the cricket of Michael Holding and Chris Gayle, the music of Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, the athletics of Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson-Herah, and the writings of cultural icon Miss Lou.
"India and Jamaica are both pluralistic societies, political democracies and market economies," Jaishankar said and added that the arrival of the first Indians aboard the ‘Blundell Hunter’ in 1845, landing at Old Harbour Bay, marked the beginning of this journey. "Today, a community of approximately 70,000 people of Indian origin stands as a living bridge between our two countries," he said. Jaishankar further added that, "the Indian-Jamaican community is an active and dynamic force that anchors and advances our relationship. When our countries established diplomatic relations in 1962, we formalised what our people had already created."
"Their contribution continues to shape Jamaica’s social and economic life, connecting our societies in a manner that diplomacy alone cannot. It is for this reason that I will make it a point to visit the Old Harbour Bay and to engage with the members of the Indian diaspora."
Jaishankar also visited Old Harbour, the historic site where the first Indians arrived in Jamaica over 180 years ago. He interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, and lauded that how they have preserved their culture, traditions, and identity. On Saturday, Jaishankar arrived in Jamaica on his first visit to the Caribbean nation to boost bilateral relations between the two countries.