S. Jaishankar visited Old Harbor in Jamaica, the first Indian arrived here 180 years ago, met the immigrants

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached Jamaica’s Old Harbor on Sunday. This is the same place where Indians first came to this country more than 180 years ago. The Minister spoke to the Indian expatriates living here and appreciated their efforts to preserve their culture and identity.

🗞️: Makkah Hajj Update: Trying to enter Mecca without permit proved costly, 5 people going through the desert arrested.

History of Old Harbor and importance of Indian immigrants

S. Jaishankar told that Old Harbor is the historical place from where the arrival of Indians in Jamaica started. The first Indian laborers arrived here in the year 1845 on a ship named Blundell Hunter. The minister described the Indian diaspora as a ‘living bridge’ between India and Jamaica. In his article written in The Jamaican Gleaner newspaper, he said that relations between the two countries are based on shared democratic values ​​and old historical ties.

Trade and mutual cooperation between India and Jamaica

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this visit has been done to further strengthen the political relations between the two countries.

• Business: In the last few years, trade between India and Jamaica has crossed US$ 100 million.
• Help: India provided vaccines, medical equipment, solar lamps and relief material to Jamaica during the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Melissa.
• Areas of cooperation: In the coming times, there is a huge possibility of working together in areas like pharmaceuticals, digital technology, renewable energy, farming and healthcare.
• Global Initiative: Jamaica is actively participating in India’s schemes like International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did S. Jaishankar visit Jamaica and which countries were included in it?

S. Jaishankar’s Jamaica tour began on Saturday and on Sunday he visited the Old Harbour. It is part of a three-nation tour running from May 2 to May 10, which also includes Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

What is the historical importance of Old Harbor?

Old Harbor is where Indian laborers first arrived in Jamaica in 1845 on a ship named Blundell Hunter. The site symbolizes the history and struggle of the Indian diaspora.