This article covers the economic relationship between India and Jamaica: bilateral trade figures, the main goods traded, Indian investment in Jamaica, ministerial and business exchanges, and cooperation on digital payments. It is based on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) bilateral brief of June 2026, and all figures are as given in that brief.
Bilateral trade
According to the MEA brief of June 2026, there has been steady growth in bilateral trade and in economic and commercial interactions between India and Jamaica. Bilateral trade rose from US$ 28.28 million in 2011-12 to over US$ 101.70 million in 2024-25.
The brief gives the following figures for total bilateral trade in recent years:
- 2021: US$ 66.29 million
- 2022-23: USD 92.74 million
- 2023-24: USD 116.73 million
- 2024-25: USD 101.70 million
The brief states that trade decreased in 2024-25 from the 2023-24 level. It also states that India's exports have been increasing year on year and that the balance of trade is heavily in favour of India.
Main items traded
As of the June 2026 brief, the major items of export from India to Jamaica are:
- pharmaceutical products
- medical devices
- textiles
- vehicle parts and accessories
- ceramic products
- iron and steel products
- machinery
On the import side, the brief lists aluminium and lead articles, electrical machinery and parts thereof, and some coffee as forming the bulk of India's imports from Jamaica.
Indian investment in Jamaica
The brief records significant investments by Indian companies in the IT and BPO sector in Jamaica. These include BPO centres run by the Hinduja group, with around 1800 employees, and by M/S Suderland Global Services, with over 5700 employees. The brief notes that the latter is owned by an Indian national and run as part of its US operations.
Indian IT companies also have collaborations with the banking sector of Jamaica. The brief adds that the Amber Group of Jamaica has strong linkages with the Indian ICT sector.
Beyond these companies, the brief describes a sizable Indian community in Jamaica involved in business activities. Their main sectors are trading, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and diamonds, ICT, medical and health, and construction. The brief does not give figures for Jamaican investment in India.
Ministerial and business exchanges
Jamaican trade and industry ministers have visited India on several occasions. Visits listed in the brief include:
- Minister of Foreign Trade Mr. Anthony Hylton (August 2001)
- Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology Dr. Phillip Paulwell (October 2001)
- Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Mr. Anthony Hylton (February 2014), to attend the NASSCOM India Leadership Forum
During her visit to India in October 2017, Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith met the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), representatives of leading Indian IT companies and the business community. She also visited Mumbai.
Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, joined the Trade Ministers' virtual summit of the Second Voice of Global South Summit in November 2023.
From 19 to 20 March 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Ms. Senaca Templar, visited India for the CII-LAC Conclave. She was accompanied by a representative each of the Special Economic Zone and JAMPRO.
During his visit to Jamaica from 2 to 4 May 2026, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar interacted with the business community.
Digital payments
One of the four MoUs signed during Prime Minister Andrew Holness's visit to India in October 2024 concerned NCPI-Egov on Digital Payment Systems. The brief's list of agreements records it as the MoU on Digital Payment Systems (2024).
At official level, an NPCI delegation visited in January 2025 to discuss implementation of the MoU, according to the brief.