Minister Chambers commences first visit by Irish Minister to India following EU – India free trade agreement

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation Jack Chambers is undertaking a trade mission to India, the first Irish Minister to visit the country since the finalisation of the EU - India free trade agreement.

The week-long visit to three cities – Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad – involves meetings with Government ministers, key business engagements across a range of sectors including aviation, tech, pharmaceutical companies and higher education institutions.

Trade between Ireland India has increased by 90pc in the last decade and is now valued at €16bn. This represents around 10pc of total trade between the EU and India. Trade between the EU and India is forecast to double following the finalisation of the trade deal.

There is increased focus on new and emerging markets for Ireland which a central focus of the trade mission, led by Minister Chambers and supported by Irish Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly as well as representatives from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

In Delhi, Minister Chambers met with airlines Air India and IndiGo with representatives from Dublin Airport Authority to discuss developing a direct route between Ireland and India. There were also bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State for Trade and Commerce Jitin Prasada to discuss strengthening trade and diplomatic relations.

Minster Chambers is delivering a keynote address to students at the University of Delhi to outline opportunities for students to study and work in Ireland.

In Bangalore, Minister Chambers will lead engagements with a range of IDA client companies including Stripe, Photon Interactive, Infosys and Biocon.

In Hyderabad, there will be a series of meetings with Enterprise Ireland client companies including Techfynder, My Compliance Office and T Hub Innovation Centre.

Minister Chambers said:

“In an increasingly uncertain and polarising world, strengthening trading relationships with new and emerging markets has never been more important for an open, outward looking country and economy like Ireland.

“Irish – India trade is currently worth €16bn and the new free trade agreement creates the potential for this to increase significantly in the period ahead which generates enormous opportunities for Ireland.

“There are historic and enduring ties between our two countries which are now being complemented more recently by strong economic ties across key sectors including aviation, pharma and tech.

“The message from my perspective is that Ireland is open for trade, rapidly diversifying and provides enormous competitive opportunities for India businesses to invest and grow.

He added:

“The development of a direct Ireland to India airline route would expand business opportunities as well supporting better connectivity for the approximate 100,000 people of Indian origin living in Ireland while also creating huge tourism potential.”