India and Ireland to Establish Joint Economic Commission during EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Dublin

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Dublin on Friday, held discussions with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties through a "new Action Plan."

A key highlight of the meeting was the decision to establish a Joint Economic Commission aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and technology collaboration between the two nations. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia and Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific affairs, India-EU cooperation, and multilateralism.

Jaishankar described his meeting with Harris as "warm and open," stating on X (formerly Twitter):

"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."

Expressing enthusiasm about the agreement, Harris emphasized the significance of this development in further deepening India-Ireland relations.

"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," he said.

Harris had earlier expressed hopes of engaging in discussions on bilateral and global issues, aligning with Ireland’s Asia Pacific Strategy, which seeks to enhance its engagement with India.

Highlighting the historic and cultural ties between the two nations, Harris also recognized the contributions of the growing Indian community in Ireland.

Trade between India and Ireland has been steadily expanding, with India being viewed as a key strategic partner for the European Union. Negotiations are currently underway for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which, if concluded, would bring substantial economic benefits to both nations, with Ireland poised to leverage emerging trade and investment opportunities.

Harris also stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation between the two countries in upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and global conflict resolution efforts.

Jaishankar’s visit marks the first high-level engagement between India and Ireland since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015.

Before concluding his trip, EAM Jaishankar paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at St. Stephen’s Green Park in Dublin, honoring the historic cultural connections between the two nations.

India and Ireland continue to share strong bilateral relations, rooted in democratic values, historical ties, and a growing economic partnership.