Irish President Michael D. Higgins has strongly condemned recent assaults on members of the Indian community in the Republic of Ireland, calling them “despicable attacks” and a betrayal of the nation’s values.
His comments follow a warning from the Indian Embassy in Dublin last week, which advised Indian citizens living in Ireland to take “reasonable precautions for their security” and to “avoid deserted areas” amid what it described as a rise in physical attacks.
President Higgins said the violence was “in stark contradiction to the values that we as people hold dear” and must be “unequivocally condemned”.
“That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is deeply troubling and unacceptable,” he said.
The president stressed that such actions “diminish all of us” and overshadow the “immeasurable benefits” the Indian community has brought to Irish society.
He praised the “immense contribution” of people of Indian heritage to the country’s economy, culture, and communities, describing their presence as a “source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life”.
Highlighting Ireland’s long history of migration, both outward and inward, Mr Higgins reminded citizens that generations of Irish emigrants depended on the kindness of strangers in other countries.
“That shared human experience should guide how we treat those who have chosen to make their lives here. To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves,” he added.
The Indian community in Ireland, which has grown significantly in recent years, plays a key role in sectors such as healthcare, technology, education, and small business.
Indian festivals, cuisine, and cultural contributions have become part of Ireland’s multicultural fabric, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced that it was postponing this year’s India Day celebration at Farmleigh House in Dublin, citing safety concerns for participants and attendees.
The annual event, which celebrates Indian independence and culture, typically attracts thousands of visitors and showcases music, dance, and food from across India.
Community leaders have urged authorities to ensure the safety of minority groups and to send a clear message that racial or xenophobic violence will not be tolerated in Ireland.
M10News Political Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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