India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris in Dublin, where both leaders agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and technology linkages between the two nations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the discussions as “warm and open,” highlighting a new Action Plan to reinvigorate bilateral ties. The talks also covered key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia and Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar also emphasised India’s growing engagement with the European Union and multilateral forums.
During his visit, Jaishankar paid tribute to Rabindranath Tagore’s bust at St Stephen’s Green Park in Dublin, marking the poet’s historic connection with Ireland. “Paid tributes to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at the conclusion of my visit to Ireland,” he wrote on X.
Jaishankar’s visit also extended to Northern Ireland, where he met Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly in Belfast. The discussions focused on deepening India’s collaboration in sectors such as skills development, cyber technology, creative industries, and manufacturing. He thanked the Northern Irish government for its support in setting up an Indian Consulate in Belfast, a move aimed at enhancing diplomatic and economic engagement.
“Thanked them for all the support in setting up our Consulate. Discussed possibilities for deepening India’s engagement with Northern Ireland,” Jaishankar said in a post.
As part of his visit, Jaishankar toured Queen’s University Belfast, which is set to establish a campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. The minister engaged with Indian students at the university and underscored the growing educational ties between India and Northern Ireland.
“Their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat is an example of the potential of education ties. Appreciated the interaction with Indian students,” he noted.
Jaishankar’s visit concluded with the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Belfast. He highlighted that the consulate would serve the Indian community while also fostering cooperation in trade, technology, business, and education.
