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Jaishankar Meets Jamaican PM, Hands Over BHISHM Cubes for Disaster Relief

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to discuss enhancing political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation. Jaishankar presented 10 BHISHM Cube mobile hospitals to Jamaica for disaster readiness and emergencies. The visit also celebrated cricket ties with a new scoreboard gifted to Sabina Park stadium. Jaishankar's nine-day tour includes stops in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago to boost India's Caribbean connections.

Key Points: Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM, gifts BHISHM Cubes

  • Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM Holness to strengthen ties
  • India gifts 10 BHISHM Cube mobile hospitals for disaster relief
  • Cricket bond celebrated with new scoreboard at Sabina Park
  • Jaishankar begins 9-day Caribbean tour including Suriname and Trinidad
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM Holness; hands over BHISHM Cubes to bolster bilateral ties and disaster readiness

EAM Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM Andrew Holness, presents 10 BHISHM Cubes for disaster readiness, discusses deepening bilateral ties and cooperation.

"The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. - S Jaishankar"

Kingston, May 5

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to explore avenues for enhancing "political, economic and people-to-people cooperation."

During the meeting, which took place on Monday, the External Affairs Minister also shared warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Jamaican leader.

Taking to the social media platform X, Jaishankar noted that he was "Pleased to call on Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in Kingston. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi."

He added that the two leaders "Discussed deepening our political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. Value his commitment towards further strengthening India-Jamaica relations."

As a gesture of bilateral support, Jaishankar presented Jamaica with 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes. The handover occurred in the presence of Prime Minister Holness, Health Minister Christopher Tufton, and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.

Describing the utility of the medical units, the Minister stated: "The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and an outcome of innovation."

Jaishankar reached Kingston on Saturday evening, initiating a nine-day diplomatic tour that includes Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The visit is intended to bolster India's strategic and cultural connections with Caribbean countries.

Earlier, the Minister engaged with the Indian diaspora, highlighting India's domestic progress in infrastructure, human development, and technology-led governance.

The visit also celebrated the shared sporting heritage of the two nations. India gifted a new scoreboard to the Sabina Park cricket ground in Kingston, the nation's sole Test venue.

The Minister noted that the "cricket bond" remains a vital cultural link, expressing his wish that the new scoreboard would record "memorable innings" that reflect the "enduring friendship" between the two nations.

Jamaican icons such as Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh, and Michael Holding have historically been instrumental in the West Indies' global cricket legacy, a connection that continues to resonate with Indian fans.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone from the West, it's refreshing to see India stepping up as a global leader in disaster preparedness. The BHISHM Cubes sound innovative—quick deployment for emergencies is exactly what vulnerable regions need. Plus, the cricket bond is clever diplomacy. Jaishankar seems to be making all the right moves.
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Priya S
Love how India is building bridges with the Caribbean! The BHISHM Cube is a great example of 'Make in India' for global good. But I hope we don't forget that disaster readiness starts at home too—our own states like Bihar and Assam still struggle during floods. Balance is key, but proud moment nonetheless. 🏏👏
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Michael C
Interesting to see India's soft power in action—cricket ties, diaspora engagement, and tech-driven aid. The BHISHM Cubes seem like a practical solution for hurricane-prone Jamaica. But is this part of a larger strategy to counter China's influence in the Caribbean? Either way, it's a win for international cooperation.
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Vikram M
Good to see India focusing on the Caribbean—often overlooked in our foreign policy. The BHISHM Cubes are a tangible symbol of our commitment. However, I wish the article mentioned more about economic ties; Jamaica imports a lot from us, but we could do more trade agreements. Baby steps, I suppose. 🤔
J
James A
Cricket diplomacy—now that's a classic Indian move! 🏏 The scoreboard gift to Sabina Park is a sweet gesture. My only concern: are these BHISHM Cubes actually proven in disaster zones? I

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