New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held a conversation with his Irish counterpart as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next six months.
During the discussion, the two leaders focused on deepening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade and education, and carrying forward cooperation between India and Ireland in multilateral forums.
Glad to speak to FM @HMcEntee of Ireland. Conveyed best wishes as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Discussed deepening our cooperation, including in trade and education. Will carry forward our partnership in the multilateral domain.
🇮🇳 🇮🇪…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 30, 2026
“Glad to speak to FM @HMcEntee of Ireland. Conveyed best wishes as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Discussed deepening our cooperation, including in trade and education. Will carry forward our partnership in the multilateral domain,” Jaishankar said.
Tomorrow, Ireland begins its Presidency of the Council of the EU.
We’ll be leading work of the Council over the next 6 months at a pivotal moment for Europe. Ireland will focus on strengthening competitiveness, enhancing security & upholding the values that unite us. pic.twitter.com/gQIDxty3J5
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) June 30, 2026
In a post on X, Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee underlined that the country’s presidency will focus on strengthening competitiveness and enhancing security.
Ireland will officially assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Wednesday (July 1).
From July to December 2026, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a central leadership role in the European Union’s decision-making process.
According to the official website of the Government of Ireland, the country will, for six months, guide negotiations, broker agreements among Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.
“This will be the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that reflects our enduring commitment to partnership, cooperation and progress in Europe. Ireland last held the role in 2013, and previously in 1975, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2004,” the website noted.
The official website of Ireland’s EU Presidency stated that the country will work on five agreed strategic building blocks. These include simplifying rules by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, promoting a more integrated single market, strengthening trade relationships with reliable global partners, supporting efforts to address Europe’s energy crisis, and strengthening the European Union’s capabilities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence to advance digital governance.
