Finance
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris in Dublin on Friday, focussing on a “new Action Plan” to strengthen bilateral ties.
The two ministers discussed cooperation in a variety of areas, including trade, investment, and technology linkages, as well as the formation of a Joint Economic Commission. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments such as the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, India-EU cooperation, and multilateralism.
“A warm and open meeting with Tanaiste and Foreign Minister Simon Harris of Ireland this morning in Dublin. We discussed our bilateral cooperation, including a new Action Plan to reinvigorate ties. Agreed to set up a Joint Economic Commission to increase our trade, investment and technology linkages,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
Harris said that Friday’s decision to establish a Joint Economic Commission will deepen ties between the two countries even further.
“Great to welcome India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Ireland today — the first senior visit from India in a decade. With two-way trade already at €16 billion, we’re committed to strengthening every opportunity for growth, investment, and collaboration,
Ahead of minister Jaishankar’s visit, the Irish Deputy PM had expressed hopes of engaging in talks on a range of bilateral and global issues, including discussing the Irish government’s priorities for strengthening its relationship with India, as outlined in Ireland’s Asia Pacific Strategy.
“Minister Jaishankar’s visit also provides an opportunity to recognise the many historic and cultural links between our countries, as well as the growing and vibrant Indian community in Ireland who make such an important contribution to Irish society,” said Harris.
Every year, bilateral commerce between Ireland and India expands significantly. India is also regarded as an increasingly vital strategic partner by the European Union, with considerable negotiations underway to clinch a Free Trade Agreement. If such an agreement is reached, both parties will benefit significantly, with Ireland well positioned to capitalise on the increasing trade and investment opportunities that will arise.
“We will discuss how we can best work together at a multilateral level to continue to uphold the values of democracy and of rule of law and in support of conflict resolution globally,” Harris added.
This marks India’s first high-level visit to Ireland since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015.
India and Ireland have amicable bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural linkages, and increasing economic interaction.
The MEA stated that India-Ireland relations began in the nineteenth century, when a large number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering, and army services.
Before finishing his visit to Dublin, EAM Jaishankar paid respect to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at St Stephen’s Green Park.
