Jaishankar at the inaugration of the consulates in UK / X (S Jaishankar)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland with the inauguration of two new Indian consulates—one in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 7 and another in Manchester, England, on March 8.

These diplomatic expansions mark a significant step in deepening India-UK ties while catering to the needs of the growing Indian diaspora in the regions.

Inauguration at Belfast

Speaking at the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Belfast,  Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the new consulate in deepening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between India and the United Kingdom. "We saw in Belfast a meeting place, in many ways, between our UK policy and our European policies," he stated, adding that the region offers "privileged access" to both. 

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Pleased to inaugurate our Consulate today in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Thank Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor @micky_murray, Minister @PutneyFleur, Speaker @edwinpootsmla and @LordRana1 for joining us.

The Consulate will serve the needs of the Indian community, while also… https://t.co/fq1PkrTU1e pic.twitter.com/BN3r8PZ0u3

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 7, 2025

The newly inaugurated Consulate General of India in Belfast is expected to serve Northern Ireland,  which is home to around 9,900 Indians (according to the 2021 census), making it one of the largest minority ethnic groups in the city. The minister emphasized that the establishment of the consulate was a reflection of the Indian government's commitment to diaspora welfare.

"We do see the economic potential. But at the same time, we do want it to be very much at the service of the Indian community. We take pride, as the prime minister often says, as a government that has given great priority to the importance of the diaspora, to the contribution of the diaspora,” he said.

Jaishankar also noted Northern Ireland’s economic potential, citing its strong shipbuilding industry and the growing presence of Indian IT firms in the region. 

During the event, the minister expressed optimism about concluding free trade agreements with both the UK and the European Union in the near future. "Interestingly, we were negotiating free trade agreements with both the UK and the EU in parallel, which we hope to conclude at an early date," he said.  

Following the inauguration, Jaishankar held political discussions with leaders of the devolved Northern Ireland administration, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelley and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly. "Thanked them for all the support in setting up our Consulate. Discussed possibilities for deepening India’s engagement with Northern Ireland, especially in skills, cyber, tech, creative industries, and manufacturing," he posted on social media.

Inauguration at Manchester

The next day, Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Manchester, marking India's fourth consular presence in the UK.

Very pleased to inaugurate our 4th Consulate in the UK, in Manchester.

Thanks Deputy PM @AngelaRayner, Minister @CatherineWest1, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett and MP @NavPMishra for joining us.

This step delivers on the longstanding desire of our community and friends of India… https://t.co/b8F7wdkZ23 pic.twitter.com/UrnWKv70LW

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2025

At the ceremony, Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the consulate's opening on International Women's Day and recognized India's new Consul General in Manchester, Vishakha Yaduvanshi. 

"We are making up for a lot of things perhaps we could have and should have done earlier. Today’s inauguration is a testament to how the India-UK relationship has changed. It is equally a preparation for what is to come. We are clearly anticipating a very big pickup in the relationship in the times to come," he said.

Jaishankar also urged British universities, particularly in Manchester, to establish campuses in India, citing the University of Southampton’s recent initiative in Gurugram. "Other UK universities, seeking to better their financial prospects, have shown an interest in setting up shop in India," he added.

Additionally, he announced the launch of the Pravasiya Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (Non-Resident Indian Help Centre) in the UK, the first of its kind in the region, further underscoring India’s commitment to the welfare of its overseas citizens.