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~The Irish Delegation will engage in high-level meetings with government and industry leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to strengthen India-Ireland ties during this visit~

~ The visit underscores Ireland����ֱ�� long-term commitment to fostering robust economic and educational ties with India, paving the way for an era of enhanced collaboration~

India, 12th March 2025 – Strengthening the long-standing ties between Ireland and India, a high-level Irish ministerial delegation led by Hon. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Minister James Lawless, is set to embark on a significant trade visit to India. As part of Ireland����ֱ�� global outreach celebrating its national day – St. Patrick����ֱ�� Day 2025, Minister Lawless will engage in a series of high-profile meetings and events across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai from March 15 to March 22, 2025.

As India cements its position as one of the fastest-growing global economies, this visit reinforces Ireland����ֱ�� commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties. The delegation, led by the Irish Embassy and supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI), the Irish government����ֱ�� trade and innovation agency; and IDA Ireland, the country����ֱ�� foreign direct investment (FDI) agency, will engage with top Indian business leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions to explore new opportunities for investment, trade, and knowledge exchange.

India stands as one of Ireland����ֱ�� most significant economic partners in the Asia-Pacific region, playing a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment. Indian investments in Europe currently rank third among Asia-Pacific nations, contributing to 16% of the total FDI projects from the region. Indian investments in ireland span across IT services, fintech, life sciences, and manufacturing. Indian companies are increasingly leveraging Ireland����ֱ�� strategic position as a gateway to Europe, reinforcing the country����ֱ�� attractiveness as a business destination.

Today, over 30 Indian companies across pharma, medtech, ICT, engineering, and fintech sectors work closely with the IDA Ireland while more than 50 other Indian companies also operate in Ireland, collectively employing 5,200 professionals. This growing presence underscores Ireland����ֱ�� pro-business environment, innovation-driven economy, and skilled talent pool, making it a preferred destination for Indian businesses seeking expansion into the European market.

Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director – India & South Asia, IDA Ireland, highlighted the momentum of this economic relationship, said, “Ireland����ֱ�� dynamic and innovation-driven economy, strengthened by global industry leaders and a pro-business government, is fast becoming the preferred gateway for Indian companies expanding into Europe. As a small, open economy built on collaboration and cutting-edge innovation, Ireland offers a highly skilled talent pool, seamless market access, and a supportive ecosystem for businesses to scale. With a growing presence of Indian enterprises across key sectors such as technology, fintech, and high-value manufacturing, Ireland continues to reinforce its position as a strategic hub for global expansion and long-term success.”

In parallel, Indian market offers a unique proposition to Irish businesses to unlock new opportunities. According to Enterprise Ireland, India����ֱ�� fintech and med-tech sectors are on a rapid growth trajectory, with projections estimating their collective valuation at USD 180-190 billion by 2025. This presents significant opportunities for Irish firms specializing in digital banking, cybersecurity, healthcare IT, and medical devices.

Enterprise Ireland supports Irish businesses in expanding internationally, fostering trade relationships, and enhancing Ireland����ֱ�� economic footprint worldwide. “The Indian market holds vast potential for Irish enterprises across multiple sectors. With strong partnerships and growing bilateral trade, Irish companies are well-positioned to expand their presence in India, driving innovation and sustainable growth.” added Mr Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia at Enterprise Ireland.

India and Ireland share deep-rooted educational and cultural ties, with Indian students forming one of the largest international student communities in Ireland. Each year, Ireland welcomes over 9,000 Indian students, reaffirming its status as a premier destination for world-class higher education.

Education and research collaboration will be a central theme of Minister Lawless’ visit. The delegation will engage with top Indian universities and policymakers to enhance student mobility programs, faculty exchanges, and joint curriculum development. Discussions will also be held on forging new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to advance bilateral cooperation in higher education.

Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly, emphasized the enduring partnership, stated “Ireland and India share a dynamic and evolving partnership that has flourished for over 75 years, built on a strong foundation of education, research, innovation and strong people-to-people cultural ties. As India strengthens its position as the world����ֱ�� fifth-largest economy and one of the fastest-growing global markets, the synergies between our nations continue to grow, driving deeper collaboration across key sectors such as technology, life sciences, and sustainable development”

Throughout the visit, Minister Lawless and the delegation will engage with senior leaders from India����ֱ�� top IT, financial services, pharmaceutical and medical device companies. The visit will also mark the expansion of Irish enterprises in India, underscoring the growing presence of Irish businesses in the region. The delegation will also engage with students, academics, and research institutions while strengthening relationships with Indian business leaders and investors. Additionally, Minister Lawless will participate in the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, a key global forum on geopolitics and economic affairs.

With India and Ireland advancing new initiatives to strengthen trade, investment, and technology collaboration—including a forthcoming action plan and a joint economic commission—this visit aims to unlock fresh opportunities for businesses, students, and researchers. As Ireland marks St. Patrick����ֱ�� Day with over 30 state representatives delivering its message across 90 cities in 40 countries, Minister Lawless’ visit to India underscores the growing significance of this dynamic partnership.