"India-Jamaica story written in runs": External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
Kingston, May 4
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Jamaica, describing the relationship as one built on shared history, respect and friendship.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "The India-Jamaica story is written in runs, written in respect, written in friendship," underlining the cultural and sporting links that bind the two nations.
The minister was referring to his participation in an event at Sabina Park, where he joined Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to formally dedicate a new electronic scoreboard gifted by India.
Jaishankar expressed hope that the scoreboard would witness many memorable cricketing moments in the future, adding that it would also stand as a symbol of the growing partnership between the two countries.
In a lighter note, the External Affairs Minister remarked that West Indies legend Chris Gayle was missed at the occasion, acknowledging the legendary batter's association with the historic venue.
Joined Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in formally dedicating the electronic scoreboard at Sabina Park, gifted by India. May this scoreboard count many great innings to come. Among them, that of - friendship. PS: Chris @henrygayle was missed," the External Affairs Minister concluded.
Sabina Park, located in Kingston, is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the Caribbean and has hosted several historic matches involving both West Indies and international teams.
Earlier, Jaishankar on Sunday (local time) visited Old Harbour in Jamaica, the historic landing site of the first Indian arrivals to the Caribbean nation more than 180 years ago.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the visit as an opportunity to connect with the Indian diaspora and acknowledge their enduring cultural legacy in Jamaica."Glad to visit Old Harbour, the historic site where the first Indians arrived in Jamaica over 180 years ago," he said.
He said he interacted with members of the Indian-origin community and praised their efforts to preserve their heritage across generations. "Interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, witnessing how they have preserved their culture, traditions, and identity," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Written in runs" - what a beautiful phrase! Cricket truly connects us with the West Indies. Missing Chris Gayle at the event is a fun touch, he is a legend both in Caribbean and Indian cricket. Happy to see our soft power growing through cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Nice gesture, but let's also focus on concrete economic ties beyond cricket. We need more trade agreements and investment in infrastructure with Caribbean nations. Scoreboards are symbolic, but the diaspora deserves real support for their businesses and education back in their ancestral homeland. Still, any step towards friendship is good.
As someone who follows global politics, this is a great example of sports diplomacy. India's diaspora in the Caribbean has a rich history, and acknowledging their journey from Old Harbour is powerful. Jaishankar is one of the most articulate foreign ministers we've had!
Bharat Mata ki Jai! 🇮🇳 180 years of Indian presence in Jamaica, and we're still connected through cricket and culture. The scoreboard gift is thoughtful. I hope this inspires more young Indians to visit the Caribbean and explore our shared history. Travel and tourism links need a boost too!
Good diplomatic move. Sabina Park is iconic (remember those fast bowlers? 🏏), and tying it to our diaspora story makes it meaningful. But I wish our government would also focus on the Indian diaspora in places like Fiji, Mauritius, Guyana more actively. They're all part of our extended family. Overall, well done!
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