Minister Hil Hosts Ministerial Luncheon In Honour Of Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar To Advance Jamaica–India Economic Cooperation

Kingston, Jamaica; May 4, 2026 – The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, under the leadership of Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, today hosted an exclusive Ministerial Luncheon with private sector stakeholders in honour of His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. The eventtook place at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

This engagement forms part of the official programme coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Jamaica. The visit underscores the deepening of diplomatic and economic ties between Jamaica and India, and highlights both nations’ shared commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation.

Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill remarked “We want cooperation to continue in a strong two-way partnership. Jamaica and India have built a relationship of substance and today’s gathering was about identifying where we can do more together. Jamaica is planning to build a new Parliament
and Parliamentary Oval to host various ministries. We would like contractors from the world’s largest democracy bidding to build this new parliamentary building when the Government formally invites bidders. The high-level training of more professional Jamaicans – in a possible mutually beneficial exchange is the type of program we want to see expanded. Similarly with medical services.”

“Jamaica is strategically positioned at the crossroads of global trade. We are prioritizing the expansion of ports, logistics networks, infrastructure build-out and investment-ready environment to create real opportunities for partnership. We welcome Dr. S. Jaishankar at today’s discussion on expanding Indian investment and deepening private sector collaboration in areas that can strengthen competitiveness and generate long-term prosperity for both our countries.” Stated Minister Hill.

Dr. S. Jaishankar noted that the overall environment in Jamaica is highly conducive to business and that both countries have significant strengths, capabilities and opportunities to build upon. He emphasised that distance is not a barrier. He observed that the longstanding history and goodwill between Jamaica and India provide a strong foundation for expanding commercial engagement. Minister Jaishankar also underscored that market access and resilient supply chains cannot be taken for granted, and indicated that India is seeking to deepen business engagement in regions of strategic interest, including Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and Latin America.

The Ministerial Luncheon provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among representatives of one of the world’s most influential countries, Jamaican government officials and private sector leaders, with a focus on strengthening commercial partnerships and expanding economic cooperation. More than 90 senior private sector stakeholders attended the engagement. Both Minister Hill and Dr. Jaishankar encouraged Jamaican businesses to deepen their commercial interests, expand exports to India, and pursue new opportunities for partnership as both countries continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

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