Belfast: India has officially opened a new consulate in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, to better serve the needs of the Indian diaspora. The facility was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in a ceremony attended by members of the Indian community.
With approximately 10,000 Indians residing in Northern Ireland, according to the latest official census, the establishment of the consulate marks a significant step in strengthening India-UK ties while also recognising the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Jaishankar emphasised the rich economic history of Northern Ireland, particularly its shipbuilding legacy, and highlighted the presence of several Indian IT companies in the region. He expressed confidence that the new consulate would play a pivotal role in assisting the Indian community and fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between India and Northern Ireland.
Following the inauguration, Jaishankar met with Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly to discuss key bilateral issues.
Expansion of Indian Diplomatic Presence in the UK
The Belfast consulate is part of India’s broader initiative to enhance its diplomatic presence in the UK. On Saturday, Jaishankar will inaugurate India’s second new consulate in Manchester, further expanding India’s engagement with the Indian diaspora and business community across the United Kingdom.
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