Jamaican PM Andrew Holness Visits Varanasi and Strengthens Ties with India
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 2: Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited Varanasi on Wednesday. He witnessed the Ganga Aarti and was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna.
PM Holness also visited the Trade Facilitation Centre and Craft Museum in Varanasi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X that Holness was joined by Governor Anandiben Patel and Minister Suresh Khanna during the visit.
Earlier, Holness toured the Sarnath Museum, where he learned about India’s rich heritage. He expressed his delight in experiencing the spiritual and cultural significance of the site, stating, “I am very pleased to be at this historic and spiritual site. This is my first direct experience with the culture and the great artefacts that are here, and I have great regard and respect for the culture, and indeed the spirituality of this place.”
The visit is part of Holness’s broader agenda to deepen bilateral relations between Jamaica and India. He emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation with India, particularly as it emerges as a rapidly growing economy and an innovative society. Holness said, “The purpose of my visit to India is to deepen and strengthen the bilateral relations that exist. We’ve always had good bilateral relations, but it is clear that India is a rapidly growing economy and very innovative society. Jamaica wants to cooperate with India in the development of our own capacity, and India has been a very strong voice for the global soul. It is a very opportune time for Jamaica to strengthen its relations with India.”
In a recent meeting between PM Modi and Andrew Holness, the two leaders highlighted the significance of “cricket diplomacy” in enhancing people-to-people ties between their nations. Holness congratulated India on its victory in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup and its recent gold medal sweep in the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. This visit marks the first bilateral engagement of a Jamaican Prime Minister in India, a significant step toward bolstering economic cooperation and solidifying historical ties.
Earlier, in a special gesture, the PM of Jamaica presented a photo of Narendra Modi’s visit to Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 1999. Modi had travelled to Jamaica during PM Vajpayee’s visit for the G-15 meeting. PM Modi presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian cricket team to PM Holness, who also gifted a cricket bat signed by Chris Gayle to PM Modi. These presentations highlight the special cricket connection between the two countries. Chris Gayle and Neeraj Chopra were invited to a lunch hosted in honor of PM Holness. Sporting links bring the two countries closer.
Doubts Revealed
Jamaican PM -: The Prime Minister (PM) of Jamaica is the leader of the government in Jamaica, a country in the Caribbean. His name is Andrew Holness.
Varanasi -: Varanasi is a very old and famous city in India, known for its temples and the River Ganga.
Ganga Aarti -: Ganga Aarti is a special prayer ceremony held on the banks of the River Ganga in Varanasi. It involves lights, chants, and music to honor the river.
Trade Facilitation Centre and Craft Museum -: This is a place in Varanasi where people can see and learn about traditional Indian crafts and how trade is made easier.
Bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and cooperation between two countries. In this case, it is between Jamaica and India.
Economic growth -: Economic growth means that a country’s economy is getting bigger and stronger, with more jobs and better living conditions.
Innovation -: Innovation means creating new ideas, products, or ways of doing things that make life better or easier.
Cricket diplomacy -: Cricket diplomacy is using the sport of cricket to improve relationships between countries. Both India and Jamaica love cricket.
Sarnath Museum -: The Sarnath Museum is a place near Varanasi where you can see ancient artifacts and learn about India’s history and culture.
Cultural heritage -: Cultural heritage includes the traditions, monuments, and artifacts that are important to a country’s history and culture.
Bilateral engagement -: Bilateral engagement means a meeting or interaction between two countries to discuss and improve their relationship.
Economic cooperation -: Economic cooperation is when two countries work together to improve their economies, like trading goods or sharing technology.
Historical ties -: Historical ties are the connections between countries that have been built over many years through shared history and experiences.
