University College Dublin had the honour of hosting His Excellency Dr S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on 6 March for a special visit aimed at strengthening academic and cultural ties between India and Ireland.
The visit featured a keynote address by the Minister on India’s View of the World, which explored India’s evolving global role, its deepening engagement with Europe, and the significance of international collaboration in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics. The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and distinguished guests from academia, government, and industry, who warmly received Dr Jaishankar’s insights.
In her introduction, President Orla Feely highlighted UCD’s vibrant Indian student community and strong ties with Indian higher education institutions, making it a key player in the growing academic and research cooperation between the two nations.
In his address, Dr Jaishankar highlighted the deep-rooted commonalities between India and Ireland, emphasising shared values such as internationalism, respect for international law, and historical struggles for independence.
The Minister reflected on Ireland’s unique perspective on issues affecting the Global South, given its own history and position within international affairs. He also spoke about the openness of both societies, which has fostered growing ties in education, research, and business. With nearly 13,000 Indian students in Ireland, including almost 1,900 at UCD, he acknowledged education as a key pillar of the India-Ireland relationship.
Dr Jaishankar also addressed pressing global challenges, including economic stability, supply chain diversification, the rise of AI and new technologies, and the transition to greener energy. He stressed the need for trusted partnerships in the digital economy and a workforce that is increasingly mobile and adaptable.
Recognising the complex global landscape, he pointed to the 60 ongoing conflicts worldwide and the difficulties nations face in meeting their Sustainable Development Goals. He called for greater cooperation between like-minded countries such as India and Ireland to ensure international stability and progress. Concluding his remarks, he emphasised the growing importance of finding commonalities in an evolving world and ensuring that both countries remain engaged in shaping a more balanced and cooperative global order.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ireland and India to fostering educational and research ties, with UCD playing a pivotal role in this dynamic partnership.
Professor Dolores O’Riordan, UCD Vice-President for Global Engagement and moderator of the event, highlighted the significance of the Minister’s visit in strengthening UCD’s deep ties with India. She remarked:
“It was a privilege to moderate this insightful discussion with Dr Jaishankar. His visit underscores the deep and enduring ties between UCD and India. Education and research are at the heart of our partnership, and UCD remains committed to fostering meaningful collaborations with Indian institutions, scholars, and students. This engagement is a testament to our shared values and the bright future of Ireland-India relations.”
UCD looks forward to building on this engagement to create more opportunities for collaboration between Irish and Indian institutions.