Jamaica Seeks Stronger Ties with India in STEM, Security, and Energy Sectors

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on his first official visit to India, expressed interest in deeper collaboration with India in STEM, security, and energy. He announced Jamaica's intent to join the Global Biofuels Alliance and highlighted mutual goals for national security and energy mix diversification by 2030.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has underscored his nation's aspiration to enhance cooperation with India across various sectors, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), education, digitalisation, security, and energy. Holness lauded India's position as a global leader in STEM education and digitalisation, articulating Jamaica's eagerness to learn from these advancements.

In terms of security, Holness emphasized Jamaica's interest in incorporating India's technology-driven solutions to bolster national and border security. He noted, 'We see India, a global leader in technology-driven security solutions, as a natural ally in our efforts to enhance the safety and security of our citizens.'

Discussing energy security, Holness highlighted the shared objective of diversifying energy sources by 2030 and declared Jamaica's intention to join the Global Biofuels Alliance, an initiative led by India. He also commended India's invitation to Jamaica to join the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

This marks Holness's first visit to India and the first bilateral visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister to the country. During the visit, he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for bilateral talks aimed at deepening the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)