Home International Relations PM Modi Hosts Jamaican Counterpart Andrew Holness for Historic Bilateral Talks

PM Modi Hosts Jamaican Counterpart Andrew Holness for Historic Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Andrew Holness, the visiting Prime Minister of Jamaica, at the historic Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday. This significant meeting marks Holness’s first official visit to India, and notably, it is the first time a Prime Minister of Jamaica has undertaken a bilateral visit to the country. The Jamaican Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday at the invitation of PM Modi, and his trip runs from September 30 to October 3. Upon arrival, Holness was warmly received by Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary.

Prior to their meeting, Holness paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by offering floral tributes at Rajghat. The Ministry of External Affairs shared images of this poignant moment on social media, highlighting the importance of Gandhi as a figure in India and beyond. “Honoring ‘Father of the Nation’! PM @AndrewHolnessJM of Jamaica offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat today,” the Ministry stated. During his visit, Holness is scheduled to engage in delegation-level talks with Modi. He is also set to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, further solidifying diplomatic ties between the two nations. The agenda for their discussions is expected to cover a range of topics aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The visit is particularly significant given the strong historical and cultural linkages between India and Jamaica, rooted in a shared colonial past and mutual values of democracy and freedom. Both nations also share a deep passion for cricket, which serves as a cultural bridge between them. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are anticipated to be signed during Holness’s visit, which will serve to bolster economic cooperation and deepen the ties between the two countries. This aligns with previous statements from both leaders expressing a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, who had extended her congratulations to Modi following his electoral victory. Holness similarly congratulated Modi, stating, “Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi as he prepares to embark on a historic third term as India’s head of government.” Modi, in turn, acknowledged Holness’s message, expressing his eagerness to work together for the betterment of both nations. As the visit unfolds, it is expected to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and a stronger partnership between Jamaica and India, reinforcing the longstanding bonds between the two nations and their commitment to addressing global challenges together.