PM Modi's 'Usain Bolt' reference as he hails India-Jamaica ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Jamaican counterpart Andrew Holness during a meeting at the Hyderabad House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held wide-ranging talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and said that India is a "trusted partner" in the Caribbean nation's development journey.

After the talks, PM Modi said that India is ready to share its expertise with Jamaica in a range of areas, be it digital public infrastructure, biofuel, innovation and health.

He also announced that the road in front of the Jamaican high commission in New Delhi will be renamed 'Jamaica Marg'.

PM Modi also made a reference to Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, who hails from Jamaica, remarking that ties between the two countries will grow faster than the ace sprinter.

He added that sports play a very strong and important role in boosting ties and noted that both India and Jamaica are "cricket-loving" countries.

"As cricket-loving countries, sports play a very strong and important role in our relations. The people of India have a special affection for cricketers. We also discussed deepening our cooperation in sports. I am confident that the outcome of today's discussions will accelerate our relations even faster than Usain Bolt and we will continue to reach new heights," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the Indian community residing in Jamaica, saying that the people of Indian-origin who consider Jamaica as their home are a "living example of our cultural heritage."

'Partner in Jamaica's journey'

PM Modi said that India and Jamaica are unanimous that reform of all global institutions, including the UN Security Council, is necessary.

The remarks assume significance since countries like UK and France recently backed India's bid for a permanent membership in UNSC.

PM Modi further said that in the defence sphere, India will move forward on imparting training and capacity building of Jamaica's armed forces.

He identified organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism as common challenges facing both nations.

India-Jamaica relations are based on shared history, democratic values and strong people-to-people ties, he added.

Holness arrived in New Delhi on Monday. It is the first ever bilateral visit of a prime minister of Jamaica to India.

(With inputs from agencies)