"These actions are contrary to Ireland's values and we take this matter extremely seriously," said Ireland's Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly.

 "These actions are contrary to Ireland's values," said Ireland's Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly.

This article, written by Kevin Kelly, Ireland's Ambassador to India, discusses the recent attacks on Indian immigrants in Dublin and emphasizes that these acts are contrary to Ireland's values.

Ireland and India share strong historical, cultural and economic ties, with Indians constituting the largest non-EU immigrant population in Ireland.

The recent attacks on Indians in Dublin are concerning, but Irish society and institutions such as Shamrock Rovers have expressed solidarity and condemned these acts.

Ireland, a nation shaped by immigration, prides itself on welcoming immigrants, and the vast majority of Irish people reject the anti-immigrant sentiment expressed by a small, vocal minority.

The article concludes by affirming that the Irish people stand with the Indian community against racism and that hateful acts will not be allowed to override the country's values of friendship, solidarity, and respect.

Kevin Kelly is Ireland's Ambassador to India and the views expressed are personal.

Ireland's Ambassador to India Mr.Kevin Kelly's Note

Attacks on Indian immigrants are against Ireland's values. India and Ireland share deep historical and cultural roots that have allowed our two countries, despite their vast differences in size, to forge close and enduring ties. Today, India and Ireland share a relationship based on shared values and strong educational and economic ties. Central to this are the tens of thousands of Indian citizens who call Ireland home. Apart from citizens from the UK or the European Union, Indians are the largest immigrant population in Ireland.

The Indian community is an integral and valued part of Irish society. Indians living in Ireland contribute immensely to our economy, our education and health sectors, our research institutions and our cultural life. From IT professionals and scientists to doctors, nurses, students and entrepreneurs, Indians help shape our present and future. Their contribution is not only recognised – it is valued and celebrated. 

Following a recent attack on an Indian man, the local community responded with a rally attended by hundreds of people in the Dublin suburb of Tallaght, expressing solidarity with their Indian neighbour.

Shamrock Rovers, Ireland’s largest and most successful football club, invited members of the Indian community as special guests to a UEFA Conference League match at Tallaght Stadium. The initiative sent a strong and clear message: hate has no home in Ireland. Shamrock Rovers’ action represented the Ireland we know – a country rooted in decency, openness and respect.

That is why Ireland has been stunned by the number of attacks on Indians living in our capital city, Dublin. These attacks have been widely reported in both Ireland and India, and have caused deep concern in both our countries.

As Ireland's Ambassador to India, I would like to strongly condemn these appalling and senseless acts.

These attacks, carried out by a small group of young people motivated by misinformation, are contrary to the values of the Irish people. I understand that every incident reported to the National Police Service of Ireland is being rigorously investigated to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice for the victims.

The Irish Embassy in New Delhi and the Irish Foreign Office in Dublin are in close and ongoing contact with the Indian Embassy in Dublin to share updates and express support to those affected. We understand the anxiety and concern these recent events have caused among Indians living in Ireland and their families in India. We take this matter extremely seriously.

These senseless actions are not at all different from the values that Ireland holds dear. They have caused widespread outrage in Irish society. They do not represent

Ireland has long been a nation shaped by immigration. Five million people live in Ireland, but 70 million people around the world claim Irish heritage. We are a nation of immigrants. This history has made us deeply aware of the immigrant experience and has instilled in us an abiding commitment to inclusion and empathy.

We are proud of the growing Indian diaspora in Ireland, and we want to see them live in safety, prosperity and a sense of belonging. That said, I strongly believe in the experience of the number of immigrants in Ireland, both from India and elsewhere.

Ireland has long been proud of its warm welcome and hospitality. The vast majority of Irish people welcome immigrants into their communities, workplaces and homes. The emergence of a small but sadly growing anti-immigrant movement in recent years, fuelled by online misinformation, is a new phenomenon for us. We are grappling with it. Fortunately, the vast majority of people completely reject their attempts to sow division. Their hateful manifesto has no public support.

The hateful actions of a few should never overshadow the good nature of the many. Let us not allow the voices of division to drown out the voices of friendship, solidarity and respect. The people of Ireland stand with the Indian community and stand firm against racism in all its forms.