When it comes to India-Ireland relations, whether it’s cultural connections or bilateral affairs, the two countries possess numerous shared activities and interests to lay out to the world. Historical evidence indicates that both India and Ireland were once under British colonial rule. During the nineteenth century, numerous Irish individuals served in the British Civil Service and colonial army units stationed in India, leading to a spread of Irish influence across various sectors such as medicine and education throughout India.
Additionally, the cultural exchange between the two nations, involving literature, music, dance, and spirituality, was promoted by esteemed Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore and W.B. Yeats. Through cultural events, festivals, and academic collaborations, the bond between India and Ireland has been further fortified. Over time, these historical ties have evolved into robust economic relations, with trade and investment serving as significant pillars of the bilateral relationship.
The figures will substantiate the assertion, as during the fiscal year 2022-23, the total trade between India and Ireland amounted to US$ 4211.94 million. Additionally, the estimated Indian diaspora community in Ireland stands at approximately 40,000 individuals, a fact underscored by the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Dublin as early as 1951.
Consequently, this blog aims to delve into how, over time, the people, culture, and heritage have played pivotal roles in fostering robust bilateral and commercial ties between Ireland and India, facilitating the expansion of Irish businesses into the Indian industrial market.
India-Ireland cultural and political dynamics
The historical ties between India and Ireland have fostered deep cultural connections, sustained by both grassroots interactions and governmental efforts to preserve this enduring legacy. To commemorate this shared heritage, the annual Indian film festival has become a fixture in the cultural calendar of the Indian embassy. Here, filmmakers and actors from both nations captivate audiences with performances spanning Indian drama and contemporary cinema, while engaging in themed panel discussions with avid movie enthusiasts.
In a bid to enrich this cultural exchange, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) recognized Rutger Kortenhorst, an Irish national, with the ICCR World Sanskrit Award 2020 for his dedication to teaching and promoting Sanskrit at John Scottus School, Dublin. Additionally, ICCR celebrated India’s 75th Independence Day in Ireland by hosting the Theatrical group of Mrs. Dona Ganguly from August 19th to 21st, 2022, showcasing Rabindranath Tagore’s dance drama “Mayar Khela.”
Ireland India business
The trend continues beyond this point. In 2023, the Indian Embassy in Dublin commemorated International Yoga Day, highlighting this significant Indian practice for fostering wellness. The event was broadcast live to unite people and advocate for healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, India extends a warm welcome to Irish individuals, mirroring the hospitality extended to Indians in Ireland. This reciprocal relationship is evident in the approximately 44,000 Irish tourists who visit India each year, as reported recently.
In addition to cultural considerations, political involvements have garnered significant recognition since both the local populace and the government of Ireland took exceptional actions to aid the Indian victims of the Kanishka aircraft crash in the Atlantic Ocean off Ireland’s southwestern coast on June 23, 1985. This bond was further strengthened by the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Shri P.Shivshanker to Ireland for the first-anniversary commemoration of the Kanishka crash. Further political interactions between India and Ireland include the Presidential visit of APJ Abdul Kalam to Dublin’s Trinity College to deliver a public lecture, followed by his attendance at a dinner party hosted by the Irish Foreign Minister in his honor, alongside Irish President McAleese.
India-Ireland bilateral trade and economic ties
The bilateral relationship between India and Ireland has experienced significant growth since Irish PM Bertie Ahern visited India in January 2006, which included a large trade delegation. Subsequently, the India-Ireland Business Association was established in May 2008 to enhance business interactions between the two nations. According to the Department of Commerce EXIM data bank, as of March 2023, India’s exports to Ireland have reached a remarkable USD 581.5 million, while imports from Ireland to India have reached an impressive USD 3630.44 million. India’s exports primarily consist of organic chemicals, rubber, textiles, heavy machinery, and mechanical appliances, among others. Conversely, India imports significant quantities of electrical equipment such as sound recorders, optical instruments, surgical equipment, and plastic materials from Ireland.
Major Irish corporations such as Connolly Red Mills, Keventer, ICON, Globoforce, and CRH Taxback Group, among others, have established significant operations in India. Meanwhile, the Indian embassy has consistently urged Irish companies to actively participate in key national initiatives such as “Make in India,” “Clean India,” “Smart Cities,” and “Digital India.” Indian companies, in turn, have made substantial investments to establish their industrial presence in Ireland.
Notable industry leaders such as Wockhardt, Ranbaxy, and Reliance Life Sciences have established manufacturing facilities in Ireland. In a notable acquisition, Hindustan Zinc, a prominent Indian firm, purchased the largest zinc mine in Ireland, Lisheen, in May 2010 for USD 30 million. Additionally, Indian industry giants like CONTINUE READING
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