Ram Nath Kovind, president of the Republic of India, arrived in Jamaica today (May 15) for a four-day state visit.
Kovind and his wife, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, were greeted on the tarmac at the Norman Manley International Airport by Jamaican officials including Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, and Lisa Hanna, opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs.
During his state visit, the Indian president will take part in a host of activities, including a floral tribute at the shrine of National Hero Marcus Garvey, and courtesy calls on Sir Patrick and the prime minister, all of which take place tomorrow (May 16).
During his meeting with Holness, there will also be the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two nations.
Kovind will also take part in a renaming ceremony at Tower/Gold Street in honour of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and a courtesy call with Opposition Leader Mark Golding.
Later in the afternoon, Kovind will attend the inauguration of the Jamaica-India Friendship Garden, a tree planting ceremony, at Palm Drive in Hope Gardens.
On Tuesday morning the President of India will make a special address to a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, before attending a state dinner that night.
He departs the island on Wednesday morning.
