Agreement Reached to Form Joint Economic Commission between India and Ireland During EAM Jaishankar's Visit
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Synopsis
On March 7, EAM S. Jaishankar met with Irish Deputy PM Simon Harris in Dublin to discuss a new Action Plan aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, including trade and investment, and announced the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission.
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of a Joint Economic Commission.
- Focus on trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
- Significant discussions on global issues like Ukraine conflict and Indo-Pacific.
- Strengthening India-Ireland relations through cultural ties.
- First high-level visit from India to Ireland since 2015.
Dublin, Mar 7 (NationPress) During his visit to Dublin, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in talks with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris, emphasizing a new Action Plan aimed at revitalizing the relationship between India and Ireland.
The discussions encompassed various sectors, including trade, investment, and technology collaborations, along with the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission. They also exchanged perspectives on several regional and global issues, such as the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, India-EU cooperation, and multilateralism.
EAM Jaishankar shared on X, "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."
According to Harris, the decision made on Friday to form a Joint Economic Commission will further strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
"It is great to welcome India's Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to Ireland today — marking the first senior visit from India in a decade. With our two-way trade reaching €16 billion, we are dedicated to enhancing every chance for growth, investment, and collaboration," he stated.
Prior to Minister Jaishankar's trip, the Irish Deputy PM had expressed aspirations to engage in dialogues covering a multitude of bilateral and global matters, including the priorities outlined in Irelands' Asia Pacific Strategy to bolster its relationship with India.
"Minister Jaishankar's visit also serves as a chance to acknowledge the many historic and cultural connections between our nations, alongside the flourishing and vibrant Indian community in Ireland which plays a crucial role in Irish society," Harris noted.
The bilateral trade between Ireland and India continues to experience substantial growth each year. India is increasingly recognized as a vital strategic partner for the European Union, with significant negotiations underway for a possible Free Trade Agreement. If concluded, such an agreement would greatly benefit both parties, with Ireland well positioned to take advantage of the increase in trade and investment prospects.
"We will explore how we can effectively collaborate at a multilateral level to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law while supporting global conflict resolution," added Harris.
This marks the first high-level visit from India to Ireland since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in 2015.
India and Ireland enjoy friendly bilateral relations grounded in mutual democratic values, cultural connections, and expanding economic engagements.
Interactions between India and Ireland trace back to the 19th century when many Irish individuals joined the British Civil Service, as well as in medical, engineering, and military services, as noted by the MEA.
Before concluding his visit to Dublin, EAM Jaishankar paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at St Stephen’s Green Park in Dublin.
