In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, held talks with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during his inaugural trip to the state. The courtesy meeting in Gandhinagar focused on strengthening India-Ireland relations through shared cultural bonds and economic opportunities.
Ambassador Kelly highlighted the cultural richness of both regions, stressing their commitment to heritage preservation. He fondly remembered the Gujarat-themed cultural festival in Dublin hosted by the Indian Embassy two years prior, which celebrated the state’s artistic prowess and built lasting people-to-people connections.
Discussions zeroed in on high-potential sectors like aircraft leasing, semiconductors, financial services, and higher education. CM Patel invited the Irish side to join the prestigious Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a PM Modi initiative, which the ambassador accepted with enthusiasm.
The meeting was attended by senior bureaucrats: Industries Additional Chief Secretary Mamta Verma, CM’s Additional Principal Secretary Dr. Vikrant Pandey, and Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop.
Just a day earlier, CM Patel expressed delight over the Union Budget 2026-27, terming it a robust foundation for Gujarat’s economic surge. Aligned with PM Modi’s developed India vision, the budget emphasizes infrastructure upgrades, inclusive growth, and sustained development.
Guided by three pillars—sustainable growth, participatory prosperity via capacity building, and sectoral inclusivity—the budget allocates Rs 10,000 crore to the Bio-Pharma Strength Program. This will elevate India, and particularly Gujarat with its pharma dominance, to global prominence.
Six innovative schemes for textiles promise to revitalize the industry, enhancing competitiveness and employment. These steps position Gujarat at the forefront of India’s growth story.