PM Narendra Modi seeks Ireland's support for India's bid in UNSC, NSG

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought Ireland's support for India's membership of UN Security council and international export control regimes including NSG during wide ranging talks with his Irish counterpart which also covered global challenges like terror and radicalisation. During his nearly five-hour stopover en-route to the US, Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ireland in 59 years, held talks with his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny after which he hoped that Ireland's visa policy will be sensitive to the requirements of India's IT firms. "I was pleased to exchange views on a broad range of international challenges, including terrorism, radicalisation and the situation in Europe and Asia," Modi said at a joint media event with Kenny. 

He also noted that their discussions underlined the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries which share democratic values and are consistent advocates of international peace and stability. Thanking Ireland for its support which was crucial for India-specific exemption from Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2008, Modi said,"I have now sought Ireland's support for India's membership of the NSG and other international export control regimes. India's membership will deepen our bilateral cooperation and strengthen international non-proliferation efforts."

In this context, he asserted that India has been a leading voice on universal nuclear disarmament since Independence and will remain strongly committed to that goal. "Our credentials and record on non-proliferation are second to none," he said.

The Prime Minister also sought Ireland's support for the reforms of the UNSC within a fixed time frame in particular, for successful conclusion of inter-governmental negotiations in the 70th year of the United Nations. "I also sought his support for India's permanent membership of the reformed Security Council," Modi added.

On the trade front, he said the bilateral trade and investment ties were growing, despite global and regional uncertainties and the economic partnership can have a strong technology focus information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, agricultural and clean energy. "I also hope that Ireland's visa policy will be sensitive to the requirements of India's Information Technology firms. I also conveyed our interest in concluding a social security agreement, which will be of great help to professionals from both countries," Modi said.