Jaishankar Highlights India's Diplomatic Strength in Ireland Visit

 Dublin, Ireland – Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful speech during his visit to Ireland, emphasizing India's growing global influence, its deep-rooted historical ties with Ireland, and its vision for the future.

During his address, Jaishankar reflected on India's strong diplomatic engagements and the contributions of the Indian community in Ireland. He noted that India's reputation abroad is shaped by its people rather than just geographic recognition. "When people think of India, they remember a person, an experience, a face, a relationship," he said, acknowledging the positive image built by the Indian diaspora.

Jaishankar held meetings with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, and several cabinet ministers, including his counterpart, Simon Harris. He expressed pride in how India's presence in Ireland has grown, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education. According to Jaishankar, the Indian community in Ireland now stands at nearly 100,000, with around 13,000 Indian students enrolled in Irish institutions.

Highlighting the historical relationship between the two nations, he recounted how Ireland was one of the few European nations to support India's independence during the colonial era. "When we look at Europe, there was no other country that took that position at that time," he remarked, referring to a 1920 speech by former Irish President Éamon de Valera advocating for India's freedom.

Jaishankar also took time to visit significant sites in Ireland, including the General Post Office in Dublin, the focal point of the 1916 Easter Rising, and the Book of Kells, a UNESCO heritage artifact, symbolizing Ireland’s cultural revival.

Discussing India’s rapid transformation, Jaishankar pointed to advancements in infrastructure, digital technology, and governance. He noted that India now builds nearly 30 kilometers of highways daily, has doubled its number of airports in the last decade, and is at the forefront of digital payments. He also highlighted India's leadership in global crises, including its role as a vaccine supplier during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the global stage, Jaishankar reiterated India’s evolving role in international diplomacy, particularly in balancing geopolitical power structures. He dismissed the idea of neutrality as a sign of weakness, stating, "Neutrality happens when you’re too weak or underconfident." Instead, he emphasized India's approach of engaging with the world while upholding national interests.

During the Q&A session, attendees raised questions on various topics, including India's collaboration with Ireland in technology and research, artificial intelligence in diplomacy, and India's strategic position in global politics. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering deeper economic and technological ties with Ireland, particularly in the startup ecosystem and research sectors.

As India continues to strengthen its position as a global leader, Jaishankar’s visit to Ireland underscored the growing importance of Indo-Irish relations and the shared aspirations of both nations. His speech reflected a confident and forward-looking India, ready to take on global challenges and opportunities with renewed vigor.