Prime Minister Andrew Holness is currently on a four-day working visit to India aimed at solidifying bilateral relations with the world’s most populous country that operates the largest economy in South Asia.

The visit, which kicked off on Monday, is the first of its kind by a Jamaican head of Government to India.

In one of several posts on social media platform Instagram on Monday, Holness shared that he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and noted that he was looking forward to “the important and impactful discussions we will have as we explore new areas of cooperation and further deepen the bonds of friendship between India and Jamaica”.

He also shared that he received a very warm welcome from India’s Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary with whom he held discussions.

In a follow-up post, Holness said Jamaica and India have enjoyed a strong bond of friendship over the years, and that he is “truly honoured to have the opportunity to further strengthen that relationship”.

“It is a privilege to represent Jamaica on the global stage, and I believe this visit will open doors for both our nations, deepening our ties and paving the way for greater collaboration and shared growth,” he said.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a number of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in key areas, including trade and investment, are expected to be signed during the visit that would boost bilateral cooperation.

“This visit is expected to bolster bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation, and solidify the long-standing bonds between Jamaica and India,” the MEA is quoted as saying in an article published on Sunday in Indian English-language daily newspaper
The Hindu.

Holness and Modi will hold delegation-level talks and call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The MEA said the visit will also provide an opportunity for Prime Minister Holness to meet with other dignitaries and interact with trade and industry leaders.

“Jamaica and India share strong historical and cultural linkages, reflected in their shared colonial past, values of democracy and freedom, and passion for cricket,” said the MEA

Holness is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, and minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for information, skills and digital transformation, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

Founder and chief executive officer of Amber Group Dushyant Savadia and renowned retired West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle are also a part of the delegation from Jamaica.

In a post on Instagram on Monday, Savadia, who is of Indian descent, said he was thrilled to be part of a historic mission with Holness on his first official visit to India.

“The energy here is electrifying as we pave the way for deeper ties, investments, and collaboration between our nations in the upcoming days,” he said.

Savadia further noted that the mission goes beyond diplomacy, saying that it signifies unity and showcases the bright future ahead for Jamaica and India.

“I am honoured to play a role in this monumental journey towards a stronger bond between our nations,” he said.