India and Jamaica Strengthen Partnership
- 03 Oct 2024
On 1st October 2024, India and Jamaica inked four agreements focusing on boosting cooperation in sectors like digital infrastructure, defence, and energy.
- The highlight includes the potential introduction of India’s UPI payment system in Jamaica, enhancing financial connectivity between the two nations.
Key Points
- UPI Expansion in Jamaica: One of the key agreements includes the potential roll-out of India's UPI payment system in Jamaica, strengthening digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion in the island nation.
- Military Collaboration: India also pledged support in the training and capacity building of the Jamaican military. This move is expected to bolster Jamaica's defence capabilities and create stronger security ties between the two nations.
- Cultural and Historical Connections: Indian PM highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations, rooted in the nearly 70,000 people of Indian origin residing in Jamaica. The partnership, he said, is marked by the "four Cs"—Culture, Cricket, Commonwealth, and CARICOM, with shared goals of global peace and stability.
- Memorandum of Understanding on UPI: A Memorandum of Understanding between India’s NPCI International Payments Limited and Jamaica’s Egov was signed, providing a platform to explore integration between UPI and Jamaica’s existing digital payment systems.
- Inauguration of 'Jamaica Marg': As a gesture of goodwill, India named a road in New Delhi as ‘Jamaica Marg,’ symbolizing the friendship between the two nations. This was inaugurated by Jamaican Prime Minister Holness during his visit.
- Common Challenges and Cooperation: Both leaders identified organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism as shared challenges. India offered to share its experiences in these areas, along with its successful space sector initiatives, to support Jamaica’s efforts.
