Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– India- Ireland relations
– Soft power diplomacy
– EU – India relations
– India’s relations with western nations
Context
St. Patrick’s Day 2024 marks the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic ties between Ireland and India.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 16th March 2024
Looking to the future on St. Patrick’s Day
75th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the strong partnership forged between the two nations, rooted in their shared history of striving for independence from colonial oppression. The celebration underscores the deepening links between Ireland and India, evident in various spheres such as trade, education, and people-to-people connections.
Historical ties
India-Ireland relations date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services. During this period, Irish missionaries and educationists also spread out into all regions of India.
- Anti-Colonial Solidarity: Both India and Ireland emerged from the shadow of British colonialism. This shared experience fostered a sense of empathy and solidarity during their respective independence struggles.
- Cooperation between freedom fighters and founding fathers: India’s freedom struggle was greatly inspired from Irish national movement.
- Annie Besant was associated with Theosophical Society and started Home rule league in 1915, inspired from Irish home rule league.
- Margaret Cousins from Ireland, became a prominent figure in social reform and the women’s movement. She co-founded the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) with Besant and Dorothy Jinarajadasa.
- Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Éamon de Valera of Ireland corresponded and exchanged ideas, recognizing the parallels in their fight for self-determination.
Constitutional links
The Indian Constitution incorporates several key features from its Irish counterpart:
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Outlines the government’s social and economic goals. It serves as a guide for enacting laws to promote social justice and economic welfare.
- Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha :Similar to the Irish Senate, the President of India can nominate a select number of members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament.
- Method of Electing the President: Both India and Ireland employ a system of proportional representation for presidential elections
Cultural ties
- Cultural Exchange: Literary figures like Rabindranath Tagore and W.B. Yeats inspired each other’s work.
- Yeats wrote the introduction to Tagore’s Gitanjali, which first appeared in 1913.
- Irish missionaries and educators also played a role in shaping Indian society
People-to-people Relations
- Education: Ireland has become a significant destination for Indian students seeking higher education, particularly post-graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral students in the areas of engineering, technology, medicine, and management.
- There are about 6,000 Indian students in Irish higher educational institutions.
- Air India Tragedy: The 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing over Ireland strengthened bonds as the Irish people offered immense support to the families of the victims .
- A commemorative stone plaque was installed at the village of Ahakista which lies near the site of the crash and an annual commemoration ceremony is organized by the local community.
- Ireland’s significant contribution to India’s fight against COVID-19 through the EU-ECHO mechanism.
- The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ECHO) facilitated the swift delivery of these vital supplies, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis
Economic Ties
- Trade in Goods and Services: The total bilateral trade between India and Ireland for the period April 2022 to March 2023 stands at US$ 4211.94 million.
- India’s exports to Ireland amounted to US$ 581.5 million, while imports from Ireland were significantly higher at US$ 3630.44 million.
- Key Indian exports include organic chemicals, garments, rubber products, machinery, and iron & steel.
- Major Irish imports into India include electrical machinery, sound equipment, plastics, optical instruments, and machinery.
Investments
- Irish companies were encouraged to participate in Indian government initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” “Clean India,” and “Smart Cities.“
- Ireland possesses expertise in agriculture, clean technology, financial technology, medical technology, aviation, and tourism.
- Several Irish companies have a presence in India, including CRH, Taxback Group, Kerry Group, Keventer,among others.
- Indian companies like Wockhardt, Crompton Greaves, Reliance , etc. have established themselves in Ireland.
Tourism
Around 44,000 Irish tourists visit India annually, and a similar number of Indian visitors come to Ireland.
Ireland gained traction as a tourist attraction after the introduction of common British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS). Similarly Electronic Tourist Visa facility was extended to Ireland to attract tourists.
Conclusion
In essence, St. Patrick’s Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the intertwined destinies of Ireland and India, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and mutual support. It underscores the importance of nurturing partnerships to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world and achieve shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and progress.
Related Topics
Northern Ireland conflict
The Northern Ireland conflict, also referred to as the Troubles, was a violent ethno-nationalist conflict that plagued Northern Ireland for over three decades, roughly from the late 1960s to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Roots of the Conflict:
- Division of Ireland: The partition of Ireland in 1921 created Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom, and the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland).
- This division left a significant Protestant (unionist) majority in Northern Ireland who wished to remain part of the UK, and a Catholic (nationalist) minority who desired unification with the Republic of Ireland.
- Discrimination: The Catholic minority faced discrimination in housing, employment, and voting rights, fuelling resentment and a desire for civil rights reform.
Escalation and Violence:
- Civil Rights Movement: The late 1960s witnessed the rise of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), demanding equal rights for Catholics. Peaceful protests were met with repression from the Protestant-dominated government and police force.
- Paramilitary Groups: The conflict escalated as both sides formed paramilitary groups. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) aimed to end British rule and unite Ireland, while loyalist paramilitary groups like the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) sought to maintain Northern Ireland’s status within the UK.
Peace Talks:
- Decades of violence led to numerous peace initiatives, culminating in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
References
Practice Question
2024 marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India. In this context trace the bilateral relations between both the countries. [150 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction (30 words)
- Start by acknowledging the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Ireland in 2024.
- Briefly mention the significance of this relationship.
Body (90 words)
- Early Relations: Discuss the early interactions between India and Ireland in the 19th century, focusing on the shared experiences in civil service, medical, engineering, and army services.
- Nationalist Movements: Highlight the connections between the nationalist movements of both countries in the early 1900s.
- Diplomatic Relations: Discuss the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1947 and the subsequent opening of embassies.
- Significant Events: Mention key events that have strengthened the relations, such as the Kanishka crash and Ireland’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion (30 words)
- Summarize the evolution and current state of the bilateral relations.
- Highlight the potential areas for future cooperation between the two countries.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!