Chennai, India  21st March 2025: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Hon. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science for Ireland, James Lawless, met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to fostering collaboration. Their discussions focused on advancing educational partnerships, expanding investment opportunities, and positioning Ireland as a strategic gateway for Tamil Nadu businesses seeking entry into European markets.

Interestingly, this meeting also marks a historic milestone in 75 years of India-Ireland diplomatic relations, as Minister Lawless is the first Irish Minister to visit Tamil Nadu. His inaugural visit underscores Ireland’s dedication to strengthening ties with the state, particularly in education, trade, and investment.

The visit is part of Ireland’s broader global outreach initiatives surrounding St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Facilitated by the Embassy of Ireland, in collaboration with Irish trade agencies IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, the visit aims to deepen bilateral relations and drive mutual growth across key sectors.

Deepening Ireland-Tamil Nadu Collaboration, James Lawless, Hon. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Ireland, said “It has been a fantastic experience visiting the vibrant city of Chennai. The pace of development, innovation, and economic progress here is truly remarkable. Ireland and India share a deep-rooted relationship, and this visit has reinforced the immense potential for collaboration in education, research, and investment. I look forward to building stronger ties between Ireland and Tamil Nadu, creating new opportunities for students, businesses, and innovators in both our nations.”

A key highlight of the visit is the Vice Chancellor’s Roundtable, where leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Ireland will engage with Tamil Nadu’s top universities to explore avenues for academic and research collaborations. This initiative aims to strengthen student mobility, faculty exchange programs, and joint research opportunities, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in innovation and education.

Tamil Nadu is a hub for world-class higher education and a thriving knowledge economy. Ireland, known for its excellence in education and research-driven innovation, sees this engagement as the beginning of a deeper partnership between Irish and Tamil institutions. The roundtable discussion will focus on:

Expanding scholarship programs and student exchange initiatives.

Establishing joint degree and research programs in fields such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability.
Enhancing industry-academia collaborations to bridge skill gaps and create global career opportunities.

“Enterprise Ireland has enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship with Chennai, consistently engaging with students and academic institutions through our annual education fairs. This sustained commitment has contributed to Ireland becoming a preferred destination for higher education, with over 9,000 Indian students currently pursuing their academic and research aspirations in our institutions. Minister Lawless’ visit marks a significant milestone in this journey, reinforcing our dedication to deepening ties with Tamil Nadu. We are confident that this engagement will not only strengthen academic collaborations but also create new avenues for professional partnerships, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Ireland and Tamil Nadu’s thriving industries.”, said Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia, Enterprise Ireland.

Minister Lawless also held discussions with senior representatives of IIT Madras, one of India’s premier institutions for science and technology. The meeting focused on fostering joint research initiatives, student mobility programs, and industry-academia partnerships between Irish institutions and IIT Madras.

“Tamil Nadu is home to some of India’s most innovative businesses, with a strong ecosystem in technology, life sciences, and high-value manufacturing. As companies here look to expand globally, Ireland stands ready to be their bridge to Europe—offering seamless market access, a pro-business environment, and a deep culture of research and innovation. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Ireland-Tamil Nadu ties, fostering new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration in cutting-edge sectors,” added Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director – India & South Asia, IDA Ireland.

Minister Lawless’ visit signifies a new chapter in India-Ireland relations, laying the foundation for deeper engagement across education, research, and business partnerships.

Rajeev Mecheri, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Chennai, said, “Minister James Lawless’ visit to Chennai breathes new energy into India and Ireland’s long-standing relations. It unlocks a new world of opportunities for the two nations, laying the foundation for a deeper partnership between Ireland and Tamil Nadu, unlocking new opportunities for students, researchers, and businesses alike. As the two nations continue to strengthen ties, we look forward to positioning Chennai as a key hub for dynamic, mutual collaborations across high-impact sectors.”

With Ireland already home to a growing community of Indian students and businesses, this visit is expected to unlock new opportunities for academic partnerships, skill development programs, and business investments, further solidifying the India-Ireland relationship for years to come.