Gandhinagar buzzed with diplomatic warmth as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hosted Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, for a courtesy call on Thursday. This marked Ambassador Kelly’s first visit to the state, where he engaged in fruitful discussions highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties binding India and Ireland.
Emphasizing shared heritage, Kelly noted that both Gujarat and Ireland boast rich cultural legacies that they proudly preserve. He recalled a special cultural event series in Dublin two years ago, organized by the Indian Embassy, which spotlighted Gujarat’s vibrant traditions, drawing large crowds and fostering greater understanding.
The meeting delved into promising areas for collaboration, including aircraft leasing, semiconductor ecosystems, financial services, and education. CM Patel extended a warm invitation to the Irish delegation to participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ambassador Kelly graciously accepted, signaling strong bilateral interest.
Key officials present included Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Mamta Verma, Additional Principal Secretary to CM Dr. Vikrant Pandey, and Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop. This interaction underscores Gujarat’s growing role as a global investment hub.
In a related development, CM Patel earlier hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a game-changer for Gujarat. He praised its focus on accelerating economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting inclusive development under PM Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat.
The budget prioritizes sustainable economic expansion, capacity building for national prosperity, and inclusive growth across sectors. A standout allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for the Bio-Pharma Strength Program aims to position India as a global manufacturing leader in this field. As a frontrunner in pharmaceuticals, Gujarat stands to gain immensely.
Additionally, six new schemes for the textile sector will inject fresh momentum into the state’s textile industry, creating jobs and boosting exports. Patel’s optimism reflects Gujarat’s strategic alignment with national goals, setting the stage for unprecedented progress.