Jaishankar inaugurates new Indian consulate in Northern Ireland’s Belfast – Firstpost

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday inaugurated a new Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the new Indian Consulate, the external affairs minister said the move reflects stronger India-UK ties and recognises the diaspora’s contributions. The consulate was inaugurated to cater to the needs of a growing Indian diaspora in the region.

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, a devolved region of the United Kingdom, which is home to an estimated 10,000 people of Indian origin, according to the last official census.

“We saw in Belfast a meeting place, in many ways, between our UK policy and our European policies,” Jaishankar said.

“We could see that this [region] had privileged access to both. Interestingly, we were negotiating free trade agreements with both the UK and the EU in parallel, which we hope to conclude at an early date,” he said.

The minister reflected on Northern Ireland’s great economic history, known for its shipbuilding capabilities, and the presence of many Indian IT companies in the region.

“We do see the economic potential. But at the same time, we want it to serve the Indian community. We take pride, as the prime minister often says, in being a government that has given great priority to the importance and contribution of the diaspora.

Emphasising that the newly inaugurated consulate will be beneficial for the Indian community, Jaishankar said that the Indian government is trying to express its appreciation in various ways, including by making services easier and providing support in multiple forms.

The opening ceremony was followed by political engagements with the devolved administration, including meetings with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelley and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly.

“Thanked them for all the support in setting up our Consulate. Discussed possibilities for deepening India’s engagement with Northern Ireland, especially in skills, cyber, tech, creative industries, and manufacturing,” Jaishankar posted on social media.

The minister is scheduled to open a second Consulate General of India in Manchester on Saturday, as he wraps up his week-long visit to the UK and Ireland.

With inputs from PTI.