External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar embarked on a 6-Day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland from March 4 to 9, 2025 to reinforce India’s bilateral engagements with the UK and Ireland.
- During his visit, the EAM engaged in discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscoring the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
- This partnership spans key sectors including Defence & Security, Trade & Economy, Health, Education, and People-to-People (P2P) ties.
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to UK:
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to the UK from March 4 to 9, 2025, at the invitation of the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
- During the visit, he inaugurated the 2 new Indian consulates in Belfast (Northern Ireland),UK and Manchester (England), UK to boost regional economic ties and investments.
Key Outcomes of the visit:
i.EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited the UK to reinforce the Great British Pound (GBP) 41 billion (around USD 53 billion) bilateral trade relationship.
ii.High-Level Diplomatic Engagements:During the visit, he met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, England, UK.
- Both countries expressed interest in expanding cooperation in sectors such as education, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), and semiconductors.
- Discussions focused on advancing the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges, including climate change.
- The leaders also discussed progress in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, strategic coordination, and geopolitical issues.
iii.Economic Investments: The UK has welcomed over GBP 100 million (around USD 130 million) in new Indian investments, expected to generate jobs and enhance economic growth.
- This aligns with the ‘UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, focusing on shared priorities like climate change and technological innovation.
iv.Tottenham Hotspur Jersey: During his visit, EAM Dr. Jaishankar was presented with a Tottenham Hotspur No. 1 Jersey bearing his name by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, UK as a symbolic gesture of strengthening bilateral ties.
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to Ireland:
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Ireland from March 6 to 7, 2025, at the invitation of Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Defence, His Excellency (HE) Simon Harris.
- In Ireland, the EAM’s engagements focused on enhancing the friendly bilateral relations rooted in shared democratic values and cultural ties.
Key Outcomes of the visit:
The visit involved meetings with Irish counterpart Simon Harris and other key officials and also with members of the Indian community in Ireland, highlighting the vibrant diaspora’s role in strengthening bilateral ties.
i.Joint Economic Commission (JEC): EAM of India, S.Jaishankar and Minister of Ireland, Simon Harris agreed to form a JEC aimed at boosting trade, investment, and technological collaborations between India and Ireland.
ii.Diplomatic Exchange of Officials: Both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the annual exchange of diplomats, enhancing bilateral diplomatic relations.
iii.Meetings with Irish Leadership: EAM Jaishankar met with President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, discussing the strengthening of cultural ties and exchanging views on global developments.
iv.Cultural Engagements: The visit included paying floral tributes to Rabindranath Tagore’s statue at St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin, Ireland and engaging with the Indian community, acknowledging their contributions to Irish society.
About Ireland:
President – Michael D. Higgins
Capital – Dublin
Currency – Euro (EUR)
