India and Jamaica have traditionally enjoyed cordial and friendly relations based on common linkages of history, Parliamentary democracy, membership of the Commonwealth nations, English language and the love of cricket. There also exists a cultural heritage bond as Indian nationals were brought to Jamaica as indentured labour between 1845-1917.

Both being developing countries, share similar concerns and common aspirations for accelerated economic growth, eradication of poverty, improvement in the quality of life of their people and promotion of equity. Both also have shared stakes in shaping the emerging architecture of various multilateral institutions to address existing inequities and for addressing major contemporary issues related to energy security, food security, climate change and international terrorism, among others. Both have common interests in promotion of South-South Cooperation and synergizing efforts towards the common objective of securing a better deal for the developing world in the relevant multilateral fora to promote the development imperatives of the South without impacting on their policy space.