Ireland Strongly Supports India-EU Free Trade Deal: Ambassador Kevin Kelly Highlights Growing Bilateral Relations

Irish Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly

Ireland is "really optimistic" about the conclusion of the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Ambassador Kevin Kelly describing it as a potential "win-win" arrangement with transformative economic benefits for both parties, in an exclusive interview with NDTV's Aditya Raj Kaul.

With renewed diplomatic momentum following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent India visit and an upcoming EU-India summit in early 2024, Ambassador Kelly expressed confidence that both sides have clarity on their objectives and strong motivation to finalize the agreement.

"We're really optimistic it's going to happen... There's a real opportunity for mutual benefit. I'm hoping the summit could be an opportunity for this deal," he stated, while acknowledging the complexity of ongoing negotiations.

Ambassador Kelly emphasized that bilateral trade between India and Ireland has already reached an impressive 16 billion euros annually—representing over 10% of Ireland's total EU trade despite the country's relatively small size. A newly established high-level advisory panel consisting of senior Indian industry leaders is now guiding efforts toward a "paradigm shift" in economic relations.

This panel has proposed initiatives to enhance worker mobility, simplify regulations, and expand investment flows. "We really feel we can grow that trade and do much more," Kelly remarked, noting that Ireland's new South Asia engagement strategy and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Dublin earlier this year have accelerated bilateral cooperation.

India has emerged as a major source of skilled professionals, workers, and students in Ireland. The Ambassador revealed that Ireland's largest visa office worldwide outside Dublin is located in New Delhi, reflecting the growing mobility between the nations.

"We issue a huge number of visas... Indians are running our health service, tech, pharmaceuticals," he stated, highlighting that Indian graduates benefit from Ireland's stay-back scheme allowing post-education employment for up to two years. A migration and mobility agreement is currently under discussion as part of broader bilateral engagement.

The Irish-Indian community—officially estimated at 100,000 but likely closer to 140,000—has become an integral part of Irish society, according to Kelly.

Addressing recent incidents of racism against Indians in Ireland, Ambassador Kelly acknowledged the "horrible experience" for those affected but emphasized that Irish society strongly condemned these actions.

"There was such an outcry in Ireland... communities protested to show support," he explained, sharing how a local football club invited Indian community members to receive a standing ovation following one attack. The government, police, and political leadership responded promptly with support mechanisms and arrests.

While acknowledging global trends in xenophobia, Kelly pointed out that no anti-immigrant political party holds parliamentary seats in Ireland: "There is huge recognition about the value of immigration."

Regarding recent terrorist incidents at Delhi's Red Fort and Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Ambassador expressed that Ireland "knows the pain" of terrorism due to its own history of violence. "My heart almost stops... there is no justification for terrorism," he stated, expressing solidarity with India and supporting stronger international counter-terrorism collaboration.

Ireland is serving as the official international partner at this year's Hornbill Festival in Nagaland—a deliberate effort to engage beyond major metropolitan areas. The Irish delegation is bringing performing artists, writers, and a 16-foot Celtic goddess installation named Danu, created collaboratively by Irish and Bengali artists. "Culture is one of the best ways to showcase Ireland," Kelly noted.

Discussing regional responsibilities, Ambassador Kelly outlined Ireland's role in supporting Bangladesh's democratic transition ahead of upcoming elections, including sharing expertise from Northern Ireland's peace process.

While refraining from commenting on specific domestic political matters, he emphasized the "critical importance" of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and expressed hope for stability and electoral progress in Nepal following recent unrest.