Minister Lawless meets Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu during first ministerial visit to the state
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 22 Márta 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless met with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a deepening in bilateral relations between Ireland and the south Indian state.
The meeting with Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin was the first visit by an Irish Minister to Tamil Nadu in the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India.
The discussions focused on advancing educational partnerships, enhancing investment opportunities and positioning Ireland as a gateway for Tamil Nadu businesses seeking access to European markets.
This historic engagement highlights Ireland’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with one of India's most dynamic states, known for its thriving educational sector and robust economic growth.
Minister Lawless 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. This very much aligns with the goals and objectives of Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy.
“I look forward to building stronger ties between Ireland and Tamil Nadu, creating new opportunities for students, businesses and innovators in both our nations.”
The film industry is worth tens of billions of euro to Tamil Nadu annually. The Chief Minister's son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, is a renowned film star and the state's Deputy Chief Minister. The meeting touched on the potential for Tamil film productions in Ireland.
A key highlight of the visit, part of the government’s St Patrick’s Day programme, was the Vice Chancellor’s Roundtable, where leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Ireland engaged with Tamil Nadu’s top universities to explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration.
The discussions focussed on expanding scholarship and student-exchange programmes, as well as establishing joint research initiatives in areas such as technology, healthcare and sustainability.
Minister Lawless also held meetings with senior representatives of IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras, a leading institution in science and technology, focused on advancing industry-academia partnerships with Irish institutions.