India has set its sight on deepening economic and investment ties with Jamaica, especially now as both countries work to build on decades of bilateral cooperation through expanded trade, technology partnerships and cultural exchange.

India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica Mayank Joshi, speaking in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, said that while bilateral trade between the two countries currently exceeds US$116 million, this remains far below its full potential.

As a major South Asian economy with a population of approximately 1.4 billion, India sees significant opportunity for deeper collaboration with Jamaica, a nation of around three million people, particularly in sectors where mutual strengths can be leveraged.

“The level of present bilateral trade is below its potential but there is huge potential for growth. One of the foreign policy objectives of India is to develop economic cooperation with its partners and so we will continue to look for opportunities on which companies can come to build,” Joshi said.

Both countries are currently building partnerships not just in commerce but also in areas such as health and pharmaceutical supplies, digital technology, disaster management, tertiary education and skills exchange among other sports and cultural programmes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ visit to the large country in late 2024 marked a turning point in bilateral cooperation, with the signing of several MOUs in a number of these areas.

As the demand for increased partnerships in Jamaica continues to bear fruit, Joshi also said the local commission has in the last few years received various requests from Indian companies seeking information about Jamaican companies with which they can partner to expand their reach.

“Some of the commercial enquiries we have gotten include information requests for export of agro-products, pharmaceutical items, cosmetics, and medical equipment,” he noted.

As trade continues to rise, data from the Indian High Commission in Kingston shows values moving from US$66.2 million in 2020-21 to US$116.6 million in 2023-24, with near US$90 million added by mid-2025. India’s Exports continue to dominate the flow, particularly in pharmaceuticals, vehicles and parts and seafood while imports from Jamaica primarily consist of electrical machinery, copper, and recycled materials.

Despite Jamaica’s preferential trade ties with the USA, European Union and Caricom, India’s commercial footprint is growing, fueled by strong demand and a thriving Indian Diaspora now standing at around 70,000-100,000 people.

While the exact value of Indian investment in Jamaica is difficult to quantify, Joshi described it as “significant,” pointing to the growing role Indian businesses play in the local economy.

Among the growing list of current and ongoing ventures are the establishment of BPO outfits Sutherland Global Services and Hinduja Global Solutions which together have created over 5,000 call centre jobs locally. The Amber Group, led by Indian entrepreneur Dushyant Savadia, has also been collaborating with the Jamaican Government on several tech initiatives even as pharmaceutical companies such as Glenmark, Dr Reddy’s, INDUS and MNS all push to establish their presence locally. Leading Indian EPC company Transrail Lighting Limited, through its partnership with local outfit Sunterra, is now working to develop one of the island’s largest solar farm.

“Similarly, a large number of Indian doctors also now practice in Jamaica and their businesses contribute immensely to the Jamaican economy,” commercial data provided by the commission further outlined.

In terms of international support and humanitarian aid, India also making significant contributions to Jamaica’s development and disaster resilience has also made sizeable contributions some of which include: a US$1-million rural development grant for Kitson Town, implemented through UNDP; the issuing of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical supplies valued at over US$300,000, a US$2.1-million grant for installing floodlights and an electronic scoreboard at the Sabina Park cricket stadium as well as a $60-million donation in May 2025 which included solar lanterns, oxygen tanks, and neonatal incubators for medical facilities.

As both nations look to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties, Joshi emphasised that the growing interest from Indian businesses paves the way towards a bright future.

“This multi-layered relationship built on trade, people-to-people links and mutual respect is poised for even greater expansion,” he said.

Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi