Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the road in front of the Jamaica High Commission in New Delhi has been named ‘Jamaica Marg’, highlighting strong India-Jamaica ties.
During a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, PM Modi expressed confidence that the relationship between the two nations will strengthen rapidly. He said, “We have decided to name the road in front of the Jamaica High Commission in Delhi as ‘Jamaica Marg’. India and Jamaica may be separated by vast oceans, but our people, our culture, and our history are connected.”
Drawing a lighthearted comparison, PM Modi said he was optimistic that the bond between India and Jamaica would grow “faster than Usain Bolt”.
He said “sports play a very strong and important role” noting that both India and Jamaica are “cricket-loving” countries.
Prime Minister Modi, praised the Indian community residing in Jamaica, said that the people of Indian-origin who consider Jamaica as their home are a “living example of our cultural heritage.”
“The people who went to Jamaica from India about 180 years ago laid a strong foundation for our ‘People to People’ ties. The nearly 70,000 people of Indian origin who consider Jamaica as their home are a living example of our cultural heritage. I thank Prime Minister Holness and his government for taking care of them…The cultural exchange programme being held today will further strengthen our mutual ties,” Prime Minister Modi said.
The two leaders met earlier in the day at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where they discussed various aspects of the India-Jamaica partnership, including further cooperation in sports and cultural exchanges.
This visit marks Prime Minister Holness’ first official trip to India, and the first-ever bilateral visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister. PM Modi described Holness as a long-standing friend of India, expressing optimism that this visit would infuse fresh energy into bilateral relations. “I welcome Jamaica PM Holness and his delegation. I have had the opportunity to meet him several times, and each time I have felt his commitment to strengthen relations with India,” Modi said.
Prime Minister Holness is on an official visit to India from September 30 to October 3, 2024.
(ANI)