EAM Jaishankar Holds Meeting with Irish President Michael Higgins

During his official visit to the UK and Ireland, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins. On Thursday, Jaishankar conveyed President Droupadi Murmu's greetings to Higgins, and the two leaders engaged in discussions on the role of culture in reinforcing national identity.

Sharing the details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, "Honored to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood."

S. Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to March 9. During the Ireland segment of his trip, from March 6 to 7, the External Affairs Minister will meet with his Irish counterpart Simon Harris, along with other officials and members of the Indian community, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. India and Ireland share a strong bilateral relationship because of the said democratic values, cultural linkages, and increasing economic cooperation.

History of India-Ireland interaction goes to the 19th century. Many Irish joined the British Civil Service as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs, including the medical, engineering and military services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland lent its support to India through the EU-ECHO mechanism where Ireland sent emergency medical supplies which included 1,248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators, and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments.

Ireland stood beside India in the fight against terrorism constantly. On February 14, 2019, the day of Pulwama cross-border suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ireland, Simon Coveney, condemned the suicide bombing in a statement where he also expressed concern in regard to worsening violence in the region, reiterating Ireland's commitment in co-operating with India and the international community in the cause of making a holistic international response to counter-terrorism.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy has been actively engaging Irish companies in the major flagship initiatives such as "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India", and "Smart Cities".