Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in an exclusive interview to NDTV, said India has become the voice of the Global South in a strategic and strong way and the world saw this at the recent G20 summit in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Holness, who is in India to strengthen ties between the two countries, held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1, during which India and Jamaica signed four agreements, one of which is on UPI payments. Also included on the possible roll-out of the system. In the Caribbean country.
The two leaders also discussed wide-ranging cooperation in energy, defense and climate change, among other key issues. Jamaica has also strongly supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and called for immediate reforms in this regard.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, the Jamaican Prime Minister praised India’s global role, especially as the voice of the Global South. Praising PM Modi for his role, he said, “India has become the voice of the Global South in a strategic and strong way, and the world saw this at the recent G20 summit in New Delhi. Theme – One Earth, One thing that resonates with everyone is that India, and especially Prime Minister Modi, has played that role, that a country as big as India, with significant resources, can represent the global south.
He also recalled how India helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Prime Minister Modi was one of the first world leaders to step forward to support vaccines,” Prime Minister Holness said.
digital economy
Lauding India’s efforts to digitalize the economy, Prime Minister Holness said, “India has laid the roadmap for developing countries and countries of the Global South to step into the world of digitization and walk on their path to building a digital society.” has made. ,
He further said that Jamaica is interested in India’s UPI payments system, adding, “The people who have benefited most from the Aadhaar and UPI platforms are the poor as they provide seamless, effective and efficient transfer of funds to vulnerable groups. Facility has been provided.” Of society.”
safety and security
The two leaders on Monday discussed the security framework between India and Jamaica. “We have discussed with India on support for security and defence, especially in the training of our defense officials,” he said.
“But more than training, we have focused on building on technology. In today’s global environment, it is important to stay ahead of the curve in technology and security – both for the economy and society, and India is leading the way in this area of technology, “He said.
Climate change
The Jamaican PM said his country is already working with India to tackle climate change. “India has been a leader in efforts to develop global solar energy technology and then make it available to developing countries. We are also part of the International Solar Alliance, which is led by India.
Indians in Jamaica
Praising the Indian community in Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness said, “The Indian diaspora has been in Jamaica for centuries. The first Indians arrived in Jamaica in 1845. Since then Indians have become integrated into Jamaica. You will find Indians in all walks of life. You can see that in Jamaican society – business, commerce, education, healthcare – in almost every aspect, and they have made very significant contributions to society.”
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister said, “India and Jamaica have a lot in common. We have a long history of relations, we have the Commonwealth, we have diaspora relations, we have sports, especially cricket, We have a similar legislative system, we are both strong democracies, but India has created significant inroads for development – in technology, in pharma, in agriculture – all that can be beneficial to smaller countries and our relationship. The beauty is that India is willing to share it with all… after all, this is the essence of global brotherhood.”
In his media statement, PM Modi had said that India has always been a reliable partner in Jamaica’s development journey and he looks forward to sharing its expertise with that country in areas such as digital public infrastructure, small industries, biofuels, innovation, health, education. Ready to share. And agriculture.
PM Modi also said that the specialty of India-Jamaica partnership is four C’s – Culture, Cricket, Commonwealth and CARICOM.
CARICOM (Caribbean Community) is a group of 20 island countries that are home to approximately 16 million people.
PM Modi, while addressing Prime Minister Holness, had said, “India and Jamaica may be separated by vast oceans, but our minds, our cultures and our histories are deeply connected.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
