The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest

India and Ireland discussed closer cooperation at the bilateral level as well as at international organisations during the 9th Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi on Friday.

"Issues discussed included, political engagements; trade & investment matters; cooperation in civil aviation sector; ICT; pharmaceutical and healthcare; agri-tech; S&T; renewable energy and clean technologies; education and skill development; consular issues; tourism and connectivity; cultural cooperation, and people-to-people contacts," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Delegations from the two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the EU, Indo-Pacific, cooperation at UN and other International Organizations, UNSC reforms and terrorism.

Additionally, the two sides also discussed regional security issues, such as the situation in Myanmar, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the DPRK. Later, both sides reaffirmed their dedication to the relationship in their shared quest for economic progress and national development.

The Irish delegation was headed by Deputy Secretary General (Global Issues) and Political Director of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Sonja Hyland, while the Indian delegation was headed by Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma.

The MEA added that both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually agreeable date in Dublin.