EAM Jaishankar Inaugurates Indian Consulate General in Belfast, Strengthening Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar opened a new Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Friday to better serve the region's growing Indian diaspora.

Speaking to a group of dignitaries and community leaders at the new Indian Consulate, the external affairs minister said the action showed gratitude for the diaspora's contributions and strengthened India-UK bilateral ties.

According to the most recent official census, there are approximately 10,000 people of Indian descent living in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, a devolved area of the United Kingdom.

Jaishankar stated that in many ways, Belfast served as a meeting point for our UK and European policies.

"We could tell that this (region) had special access to both. Interestingly, we were negotiating free trade agreements with both the UK and the EU simultaneously, which we hope to complete soon," he said.

The minister reflected on Northern Ireland's rich economic history, which includes shipbuilding and a large number of Indian IT companies headquartered in the region.

"We see the economic potential. However, we want it to be primarily for the benefit of the Indian community. We are proud, as the prime minister frequently says, to be a government that has prioritized the importance of the diaspora and its contribution."

"We try to express that appreciation in a variety of ways, including by making services easier, by providing support in many ways and I'm very confident that is what this Consulate will do," he added.

The opening ceremony was followed by political engagements with the devolved administration, including meetings with Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelley, and Junior Minister, Aisling Reilly.

Thanked them for their assistance in establishing our Consulate. Discussed possibilities for deepening India's engagement with Northern Ireland, especially in skills, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing. Jaishankar shared on social media.

On Saturday, the minister will open India's second Consulate General in Manchester, capping off a week-long visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland.