Dublin: Trade relations between India and Ireland are experiencing significant growth, with ongoing discussions to establish a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) expected to conclude by the end of 2024. This initiative aims to elevate both nations’ economic and trade partnerships to new heights. The primary objective of the JEC will be to further enhance economic collaboration, particularly in key sectors such as IT, education, healthcare, and business services.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled over the past decade, with trade figures reaching USD 6.38 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This surge reflects the deepening economic cooperation between India and Ireland. The formation of the JEC is anticipated to lay the groundwork for a strategic partnership agreement that will strengthen ties across various industries and bring mutual economic benefits.
Ireland views India as a critical partner in the Asia-Pacific region, a stance reaffirmed during Irish Foreign Secretary Joe Hackett’s visit to New Delhi in January 2024, when the “India Pathway” of Ireland’s Asia-Pacific strategy was officially launched. The JEC is expected to enhance Ireland’s presence in Asia by providing full market access and cross-regional support, contributing to a more robust Irish engagement in the region.
India has established similar strategic partnerships with over 30 countries, including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The first strategic partnership with a European country was signed with France in 1997, followed by agreements with Italy and Greece in 2023. Ireland now seeks to join this expanding network of cooperation, recognising India’s growing influence on the global economic stage.
Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly’s Role in Strengthening Relations
The Irish Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, has been instrumental in advancing the India-Ireland relationship. Speaking on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Kelly emphasised India’s rapid rise and its increasing global economic influence. He called for stronger political, economic, and trade ties while also highlighting Ireland’s remarkable transformation—from one of the European Union’s poorer members in 1973 to its wealthiest nation in 2024.
Kelly reiterated Ireland’s commitment to establishing the Joint Economic Commission, describing India as a leader not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also on the international stage. He expressed confidence that India would play a crucial role in easing both regional and global tensions, further solidifying its strategic importance.
Growing Indian Population in Ireland
Ambassador Kelly also noted the increasing presence of the Indian community in Ireland, which has become the third largest foreign population in the country, after Polish and UK nationals. Indians now constitute around 2% of Ireland’s population, with an estimated 100,000 Indian nationals contributing to Irish society, economy, and culture. Kelly praised the professional skills and contributions of the Indian community, underscoring the important role they play in fostering closer ties between the two nations.
As Ireland and India continue to strengthen their trade and political relationships, the establishment of the Joint Economic Commission is expected to serve as a critical step toward deeper cooperation and shared prosperity.
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