Panellists (L-R) Suhasini Haidar, Hervé Delphin, C Raja Mohan, Kelly and Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (Photo: Irish embassy)
New Delhi: The Irish embassy in India marked the start of Ireland’s rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union with an event at the Press Club of India on Wednesday. The event brought together diplomats, academics and journalists to discuss the implications for India-EU ties over the next six months.
Ireland formally took over the EU Council presidency the same day, a role that will see it lead negotiations among the bloc’s 27 member states, chair council meetings and work toward consensus on policy issues affecting over 450 million EU citizens. The six-month term runs under the theme “Strength with Unity”, with a focus on competitiveness, values and security.
Speaking at the event, the Irish ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, said this marks Ireland’s eighth presidency term but comes at a particularly complex moment, citing ongoing conflicts, rapid technological change and pressure on multilateral institutions. Kelly identified India as a key strategic partner for the presidency, highlighting trade, technology, maritime security and digital cooperation as priority areas for engagement.
The event’s keynote address was delivered by the foreign policy commentator, C Raja Mohan, who spoke on “EU-India Relations in an Age of Uncertainty”. Raja Mohan argued that stronger India-EU cooperation could help stabilize a fragmented global order and support economic resilience at a time when rules-based multilateralism is under strain.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring the EU ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin; Kelly; journalist Suhasini Haidar, and Raja Mohan. It was moderated by Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty. Panellists described the India-EU relationship as one that has grown steadier over time, grounded in trust and pragmatic cooperation, despite differences on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speakers pointed to the conclusion of the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement as a shared priority going forward, along with continued cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and on freedom of navigation.
The event drew more than 100 journalists, reflecting growing media and diplomatic interest in the India-EU relationship as Ireland begins its presidency term.
