PM Modi seeks Ireland's support for UNSC reforms, NSG membership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought Ireland's support for reforms in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and also brought up the issue of India's membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during his discussions with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

"I sought Ireland's support for reforms of the UNSC within a fixed time frame... India seeks Ireland's support for India's membership of the NSG," Prime Minister Modi said during a joint interaction with the media.

Stating that India and Ireland are the fastest growing economies in Asia and Europe, Prime Minister Modi said Ireland's visa policy should be sensitive to India's IT firms.

"India and Ireland are among the fastest growing economies in Asia and Europe...India and Ireland must seek much closer partnership and cooperation...I also hope that Ireland's visa policy will be sensitive to India's IT firms," he said.

"India was the first country with which you (Ireland) established diplomatic relations in Asia...India and Ireland have been partners on peacekeeping missions," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also said that direct air services between India and Ireland will soon be started by airlines of both countries.

Modi arrived here today on the first leg of his two-nation trip to Ireland and United States.

This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ireland in 60 years.