Dublin [Ireland]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the growing convergence between India and Europe and highlighted India’s economic growth during a speech titled “India’s View of the World” at University College Dublin on Friday. He referred to the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with 21 Commissioners to India and expressed optimism about concluding the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year.
Key Highlights of Jaishankar’s Speech:
1. Progress on India-EU Free Trade Agreement:
- Jaishankar noted that India and the EU have been negotiating the FTA for nearly 23 years.
- The recent high-level visit from the EU has renewed optimism for concluding the FTA by year-end.
- He remarked, “We find today increasing convergences with Europe as India becomes a bigger economy. We are the fifth largest currently and will definitely be the third by the end of this decade.”
2. Strengthening India-Ireland Trade Relations:
- Bilateral trade between India and Ireland is estimated at around 16 billion pounds, with services trade significantly exceeding goods trade due to the nature of the Irish economy.
- Leading companies from both nations have established a strong presence in each other’s markets, particularly in IT and pharmaceuticals.
- Jaishankar acknowledged the growing number of Indian students in Ireland, which has reached 13,000, and highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals to Ireland’s development.
3. Tourism and Visa Policy:
- With around 44,000 Irish tourists visiting India, Jaishankar suggested that a more friendly visa policy by Ireland could boost this number significantly.
- He emphasized the importance of education exchanges and suggested expanding them further to benefit both nations.
4. India’s Economic Growth Trajectory:
- Jaishankar outlined India’s economic progress, predicting a 7%+ growth rate for the coming decades.
- He highlighted India’s infrastructure growth, including:
- Building 7 airports annually.
- Constructing 28 to 30 kilometers of highways daily.
- Establishing nearly 7,000 new colleges in the past decade.
- He emphasized that India’s expanding economy presents new opportunities for European nations, including Ireland.
5. Historical and Cultural Ties with Ireland:
- Jaishankar reflected on the shared colonial history of India and Ireland, including the influence of Irish missionaries and educators in India.
- He recalled studying at St Patrick’s School in Chennai, highlighting the deep-rooted educational connections between the two nations.
- He also cited historical figures like Annie Besant and Sister Nivedita of Irish origin, who played significant roles in India’s freedom struggle.
6. Ireland’s Freedom Struggle: An Inspiration:
- Jaishankar acknowledged that Ireland’s struggle for freedom was a significant inspiration for India’s independence movement.
- He mentioned the relationship between Rabindranath Tagore and W.B. Yeats as a symbol of the intellectual and cultural connections between India and Ireland.
- The parallels in decolonization efforts were highlighted as a foundation for strong bilateral relations.
7. Shared Vision for a Rules-Based World Order:
- Jaishankar emphasized the shared commitment of India and Ireland to a rules-based international order that respects international law.
- He invoked the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) to underline India’s openness to multilateral cooperation.
- He stressed the need for contemporary, fair, and non-discriminatory international regimes to address global challenges.
8. The Role of Indian and Irish Diaspora:
- The Minister highlighted the significance of the Indian and Irish diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties.
- He noted that the global presence of both communities has created a strong foundation for collaboration in a globalized world.
Conclusion:
Jaishankar’s address at University College Dublin underscored the growing synergy between India and Europe, with a particular focus on deepening ties with Ireland. His optimism about concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by year-end, combined with a commitment to strengthening trade, education, and cultural exchanges, signals a new phase in India-Ireland relations.