Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director, South Asia At IDA Ireland, Talks About The Similarities Between Ireland And India

While Northern Ireland still remains to be a part of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland is an entity of its own which boasts a rich heritage and culture. Home to Oscar Wilde, it alsohas one of the best libraries of the world – Trinity College Library at Dublin.

Ireland believes that it has a deep connection with India that has stayed even after India’s independence. The Republic has maintained ties with India on a cultural and commercial basis. IDA is one such institution that strives for it. Tanaz Buhariwalla, Director, South Asia at IDA Ireland, shares the bond while chatting with The Free Press Journal.

Excerpts from the interview:

How different is Ireland from England when it comes to culture and habits?

Ireland’s relationship with the United Kingdom is coloured by its historical legacy.  It is complicated and multifaceted, as much as there are cultural similarities.  There is the shared love for stories and books & history, music, theatre and sports.  The British and Irish both enjoy their time at the pub nursing a Guiness but perhaps squabbling over what’s better – Irish whiskey or Scotch whisky.  Both nations share a common interest in sports, particularly in rugby, football, and horse racing. There is of course, cricket played in the UK which is increasing in popularity in Ireland. Ireland, meanwhile, has its own indigenous sports such as hurling and Gaelic football, which don’t have the same fan following in the UK.  Both love satire, which is a large part of the culture.

What led IDA Ireland to focus on promoting investment opportunities between Ireland and India?

IDA Ireland is over 75 years old, having a presence in the USA and in Europe through the years.  With the Indian economy opening up and Indian companies setting up shop overseas, IDA Ireland established an office in India in 2008 to work with Indian companies that were looking to internationalise and tap into European markets. IDA Ireland’s team in India work with companies to understand their plans for European expansion and work with them to explore if Ireland could be a solution for them.  The team helps by providing information about doing business in Ireland including specific to the sector the company operates in, providing market entry assistance, regulatory guidance, introduction to the ecosystem and networking opportunities, as per the needs of the company.

What are the similarities you see in the cultures of India and Ireland?

The relationship between India and Ireland is centuries old, and 2024 marked 75 years of official diplomatic connections between our two countries. The shared struggle for independence, a joint admiration of literature and culture, and an acceptance and tolerance for others has created a strong bond between our two nations. Ireland and India have deep cultural ties through creativity which is deeply ingrained in both cultures, including across storytelling, literature, poetry and music. The Indian and Irish traditions stand out for their profound explorations of mysticism, poetry, and meditation. Literature is a shared love in the two countries. Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore and W.B. Yeats explored themes that transcended geography, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s literary traditions. Beyond literature and the shared history, India and Ireland share several cultural commonalities. Both cultures have a rich tradition of storytelling, deeply embedded in their identities.

In India, epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have been passed down through generations, while in Ireland, folklore and mythology form the basis of countless legends. Music and dance are also integral to both cultures. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and traditional Irish step dancing, both serve as powerful expressions of cultural heritage. These art forms not only entertain but also help preserve traditions and convey the stories and values of the respective cultures. The shared views between Ireland and India extend to their appreciation for nature, hospitality, and spirituality. Both cultures hold a deep reverence for nature, which is reflected in their festivals and traditions. The warmth of hospitality is another common trait, and both, the Indian and the Irish people are known for their generosity and friendliness towards guests and love for their family. People from both countries are also recognised for their resilience, given the history of adversity of both countries which has helped them foster a spirit of perseverance and adaptability.

Can you elaborate more about the cultural exchange programs you have initiated between the two countries?  

Cultural connections between Ireland and India continue to deepen through literary exchanges, academic collaborations, and cultural festivals. Team Ireland in India—comprising the Embassy of Ireland in Delhi, the Consulate General in Mumbai, and key agencies such as IDA Ireland—has played a pivotal role in strengthening these ties. The Indian High Commission in Dublin has also been actively promoting bilateral engagement across various spheres.

Several Irish universities and higher education institutions have established a presence in India, supporting Indian students who wish to study in Ireland. These institutions have also entered into collaborative agreements with Indian universities to offer joint programmes and research opportunities. The IDA Ireland team has organized a range of webinars and roundtables focused on globalization, research and other key themes, facilitating meaningful dialogues between both countries.

Ireland has also welcomed Indian delegations for film shoots, tourism, and major cultural events. In the realm of sports, close engagement with Cricket Ireland has helped promote the sport and support match participation between Indian and Irish teams. Literary exchange has been another vibrant avenue, with the Embassy facilitating the participation of several Irish authors in major literary festivals across India, including the recent Jaipur Literature Festival—which featured three Irish writers—and the Mumbai LitFest.

One standout cultural moment was during last year’s Durga Puja celebrations, where two Irish artists collaborated with Bengali counterparts to co-create a pandal that beautifully fused Celtic and Indian traditions, honoring goddesses Kali and Danu in a unique expression of shared spiritual heritage.

To further deepen ties, Ireland continues to promote cultural and academic partnerships, such as the ICCR Chairs at Dublin City University and University College Cork. Ongoing discussions around Memorandums of Understanding in areas such as education, healthcare, migration, and cultural cooperation aim to expand these connections beyond economic interests—fostering people-to-people linkages and celebrating the rich historical affinity between the two nations.

Which tradition of Ireland resembles Indian Guru-Shishya Parampara (tradition), and why do you think so?

One Irish tradition that closely resembles the Indian Guru-Shishya Parampara is the concept of Anam Cara, which means “soul friend” in Gaelic. This term was popularized by the Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue, and it refers to a deep spiritual companionship rooted in trust, wisdom, and mutual growth. Much like the Guru-Shishya relationship in Indian culture—where a student forms a sacred, lifelong bond with their teacher in pursuit of spiritual or intellectual awakening—the Anam Cara tradition emphasizes a similar depth of connection.

In both traditions, the mentor or guide plays a pivotal role in helping the other person uncover deeper truths about themselves and the world. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about transforming the individual from within. What stands out in both is the sacred, almost transcendental nature of this relationship—it’s built not on hierarchy, but on spiritual intimacy, respect, and a shared journey of inner exploration.

Which sectors in Ireland are currently most attractive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Indian companies looking to expand their global footprint?

While IT services remain a strong area of collaboration, with India’s top five IT services companies; TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and HCL, having a presence in Ireland, and other companies like BrowserStack, Aspire, Kellton Tech, NIIT Ltd and Xoxoday also operating there. Ireland is promoting investment in sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, fintech, and renewable energy.

Several Indian pharmaceutical and medical technology firms, including Wockhardt, SMT, and Unichem, have already established operations in Ireland. The collaboration between SMT and the University of Galway/Curam on next-generation stents highlights opportunities for joint innovation.

In advanced manufacturing, Indian firms like Deepak Fasteners and Ex-cel Plastics have set up production units in Ireland, & Jaguar Land Rover has an R&D centre where over 350 engineers work on the cars of the future.  All these benefit from the country’s specialized clusters, such as the future mobility hub in Shannon, or the world class National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) amongst others.

The fintech sector also presents significant opportunities, with Indian companies like Chargebee and JusPay leveraging Ireland’s strong financial ecosystem. Additionally, Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan aligns well with India’s sustainability goals, opening avenues for collaboration in renewable energy and green technologies.

Is there scope for reverse investment from Ireland into India? If so, what’s fuelling that interest?

Just as IDA Ireland supports Indian companies looking to set up in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland is the sister agency that helps Irish companies internationalise.  Bilateral trade between the two countries has exceeded €16 billion annually, with strong collaboration in pharmaceuticals, textiles, organic chemicals, agricultural products, technology, and financial services. Enterprise Ireland help foster partnerships particularly in AI, fintech, innovative new products, renewable energy, health and advanced manufacturing.

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