Jamaica and SVG are active members in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a state visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent & Grenadines (SVG) from May 15-21. This will be the first ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.

​President Kovind will be in Jamaica from May 15-18 and hold delegation level talks with his counterpart, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

He will also meet Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other dignitaries besides addressing the Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Jamaican Parliament.

​Jamaica and India have friendly relations. Jamaica is also one of the Girmitya countries with a 70,000 strong Indian diaspora, who act as a living bridge with India.

According to the MEA, the visit comes at a significant milestone as 2022 is the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica. Furthermore, India and Jamaica are celebrating 75th and 60th anniversary of their independence respectively.

​President Kovind will also pay a state visit to SVG from May 18-21, the MEA said.

During the visit, he will hold discussions with his counterpart, Governor General Susan Dougan. He will also meet Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves as well as other dignitaries. He will address the House of Assembly of SVG, the MEA said.

​SVG is an important partner of India. India and SVG were both non-permanent members of the UNSC in 2021 and shared good cooperation during this period, the MEA noted.

​Jamaica and SVG are active members in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

"The first ever Head of State visit to these countries is a continuation of India’s high-level engagement with the countries in the Caribbean region and emphasizes our continued commitment to work with Small Island developing countries," the MEA pointed out.