India and Ireland share historical ties, while sharing constitutional values and multi-faced cooperation between them

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Leo Varadkar on assuming office in Ireland as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for the second time. On Saturday, Leo, an Irish politician in his 40s, took over as Taoiseach for the second time in a handover of power in line with a coalition deal struck in 2020.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations @LeoVaradkar on assuming office as Taoiseach for the second time. Highly value our historical ties, shared constitutional values & multi-faceted cooperation with Ireland. Look forward to working together to realise the full potential of our vibrant economies."

Leo Varadkar was chosen to serve as Taoiseach with 87 votes in favour, 62 votes against, and one abstention. According to reports, he received the official seal from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

With the appointment of Varadkar as Ireland's Taoiseach, he became Europe's third leader of Indian origin, alongside Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom and Premier Antonio Costa of Portugal. For the uninitiated, he was born on January 18, 1979, to an Irish-origin nurse and an Indian-origin doctor.

The relations between India and Ireland are warm and historical, dating to the 19th century when a sizable number of Irish served in India and both nations shared their separate fights for independence.

A key area of economic connection between India and Ireland is the exchange of services. In addition to this, India exported textile yarn, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies to Ireland. On the other hand, Ireland exports manufactured goods, automated data processing systems, and telecommunications audio equipment to India.