New Delhi, Dec 5 — Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, said he is optimistic a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union can be concluded soon, calling the February meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “very positive.”
Speaking to ANI, Kelly said the two leaders showed strong commitment to finalizing the deal this year. He noted that a 40-member EU negotiating team arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, beginning an intensive phase of talks aimed initially at wrapping up the FTA by year-end. India and the EU relaunched free trade negotiations in 2022.
Kelly also addressed concerns about a series of violent incidents targeting Indians in Ireland last summer. He described the period as “horrible” for the Indian community, and said the attacks caused major upheaval across Ireland, affecting both Indian and Irish communities.
The ambassador said Irish authorities established a special police liaison task force to support the Indian community and to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Dublin, and that some arrests have been made. He expressed hope the violence will not be repeated.
Several attacks on Indian nationals were reported in July and August, prompting the Indian Embassy in Ireland to advise citizens on August 1 to take precautions and remain aware of their surroundings for personal safety.
