H.E. Mr. Jason K. M. Hall, High Commissioner of Jamaica to India

Diplomatist: As High Commissioner of Jamaica to India, please share your impressions of working in India.

H.E. Mr. Jason K. M. Hall: As the first resident High Commissioner of Jamaica to India, it has been a tremendous honour and opportunity to represent my country in this incredible country. We have the highest regard for India's prominent voice in the international arena, particularly its support and advocacy of the interest of the Global South. Notably is the Voice of the Global South Summit hosted by India in January 2023 within the context of its G-20 Presidency. India has, over the years, proven to be a reliable and valuable development partner and friend to Jamaica. This, coupled with the shared principles of respect for democracy, rule of law and sovereignty and common vision that the world is one family, has facilitated cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. I, therefore, envisage strengthened mutually beneficial bilateral relations between Jamaica and India, enhanced cooperation at the multilateral level and Jamaica becoming the gateway for Indian innovation in the Region.

Diplomatist: How do you see the recent development of Jamaica and India relations?

H.E. Mr. Jason K. M. Hall: Jamaica and India established diplomatic relations on 12 August 1962. The relations, however, date back to the arrival of the first batch of indentured labourers from India in Jamaica on 10 May 1845. The Indian presence in Jamaica has made an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. In 1995, the Government of Jamaica declared 10 May as Indian Heritage Day. The relations have, over the years, significantly strengthened. Jamaica has benefitted from India's technical assistance, capacity building and training programmes, particularly through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in several areas of importance to its national development, and through health and pharma, most prominently the donation of COVID-19 vaccines.