In a major step towards strengthening India-Ireland economic ties, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission to enhance trade, investment, and technology linkages. This decision was made during his official visit to Dublin, where he met with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, on Friday.

India-Ireland Cooperation on Trade & Global Issues

Taking to X, Jaishankar shared, "A warm and open meeting with Tanaiste & FM Simon Harris of Ireland this morning in Dublin. We discussed our bilateral cooperation, including a new Action Plan to reinvigorate ties."

The two leaders agreed to strengthen trade, technology, and investment ties through the new Joint Economic Commission. They also exchanged views on key global issues, including:

• The Ukraine conflict
• Developments in West Asia, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific
• India-EU cooperation and multilateralism

Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to deepening its engagement with Ireland and ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership.

Jaishankar Pays Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore

Towards the end of his Dublin visit, Jaishankar paid tribute to Rabindranath Tagore’s bust statue at St Stephen's Green Park. He shared on X, "Paid tributes to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at St Stephen's Green Park in Dublin at the conclusion of my visit to Ireland."

This gesture highlighted India’s deep cultural and historical ties with Ireland, as Tagore visited Ireland in 1912 and shared close bonds with Irish poets and intellectuals.

Strengthening Ties with Northern Ireland

Jaishankar’s visit to Belfast marked a new chapter in India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Northern Ireland. He met Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, thanking them for their support in establishing the Indian Consulate in Belfast.

Discussions focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation in:

• Cybersecurity & technology
• Creative industries
• Manufacturing & skills development

In a post on X, he stated, "Nice to meet Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland @little_pengelly and Junior Minister @aislingreillysf this evening in Belfast. Thanked them for all the support in setting up our Consulate."

Education Partnerships: Queen’s University & GIFT City Campus

Jaishankar also visited Queen’s University Belfast, which is set to establish a campus at GIFT City, Gujarat. This initiative is part of efforts to boost India-UK academic collaborations and skill development.

Expressing appreciation for the engagement with Indian students at Queen’s University, he shared, "Good to visit Queen's University in Belfast this evening. Their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat is an example of the potential of - ties in education."

Inauguration of Indian Consulate in Belfast

The highlight of the Belfast visit was the formal inauguration of the Indian Consulate, marking an important step in enhancing India’s diplomatic presence in the region. The Consulate aims to:

• Cater to the needs of the Indian community in Northern Ireland
• Promote trade, technology, business, and education partnerships

Jaishankar noted on X, "The Consulate will serve the needs of the Indian community, while also exploring further cooperation in trade, technology, business, and education."

Conclusion

The India-Ireland Joint Economic Commission marks a new phase in bilateral ties, aiming to expand trade, investment, and technology collaboration. With diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagements increasing, Jaishankar’s visit has set the foundation for stronger India-Ireland relations in the years to come.