In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Ireland, External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Ireland from March 6-7, 2025, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence (FM) Simon Harris.
During his two-day visit, Dr. Jaishankar called on President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, discussing growing bilateral ties and regional and global developments. The EAM also held delegation-level talks with his Irish counterpart, FM Simon Harris, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and key global and regional matters of mutual interest.
The Ministers expressed satisfaction over progress in diverse sectors, including trade and economy, education, mobility, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They discussed expanding collaboration in higher education, exploring avenues for creating further opportunities for businesses and professionals from both countries in new and emerging sectors such as cyber security, AI, Fin-tech, and semiconductors.
The Irish FM presented to Dr. Jaishankar a copy of the Irish Government's Action Plan aimed at enhancing Ireland's engagement with India. An MoU on diplomatic exchanges was also signed during the visit, aimed at deepening institutional cooperation and experience-sharing on training programs for diplomats. The two sides agreed to set up an India-Ireland Joint Economic Commission to recognize the importance of growing bilateral trade and economic ties.
Dr. Jaishankar also spoke at an event organized at University College Dublin, sharing India's perspective on the world and interacting with prominent academicians and scholars on global affairs. He paid floral tributes to the Statue of Rabindranath Tagore in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, and engaged with Indian community members in Ireland, appreciating their rich contributions to Irish society.
The visit by Dr. Jaishankar underscores the priority both sides attach to further strengthening bilateral ties and their commitment to sustained engagements, particularly within the first two months of the new government in Ireland. The successful visit marks an important milestone in India-Ireland relations, highlighting the potential for cooperation in various fields and fostering a stronger partnership between the two nations.