• Source:JND
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Irish President Michael D. Higgins has strongly condemned the recent surge in racist attacks targeting the Indian diaspora in Ireland. In a statement released on Tuesday, Higgins expressed a "deep sense of gratitude" towards the Indian community for their invaluable contributions across multiple sectors.

“We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some,” the president said. He emphasised that the Indian community’s presence, culture, and work have enriched Irish society and added generosity to the nation’s shared life.

Higgins described the recent attacks as "despicable" and stated that they directly contradict the values Ireland holds dear. “That anyone in Ireland could be drawn into such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and must be condemned without reservation," he said. Whether motivated by ignorance or malice, the president stressed the importance of recognising the harm these acts cause. He also called for the protection of shared spaces, including online platforms, from “messages of hate or incitement to violence.”

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Rise In Racist Violence

Earlier this month, the Indian Embassy in Dublin issued a safety advisory following an increase in physical attacks against Indian citizens in the country. Several incidents have been reported recently, including the assault of a six-year-old girl of Indian origin in southeast Ireland, who was subjected to racial slurs.

Local media, including The Irish Times, also reported a disturbing attack on an Indian taxi driver in Dublin. The driver was assaulted with a broken bottle by two passengers and told to “go back to your country.”

Prashant Shukla, co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, expressed concerns over the rapid spread of hate speech on social media platforms. In an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE, Shukla blamed the rise in racist sentiment on “extreme right propaganda” and false perceptions that Indian immigrants are responsible for Ireland’s housing crisis.

The recent wave of violence and hostility led to the postponement of one of Ireland’s largest celebrations of Indian culture, India Day. The Ireland India Council announced on Monday that the event was postponed due to safety concerns.

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"We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive," Shukla said after meeting with Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris. The postponement underscores growing tensions and the urgent need to address and counteract racism against the Indian community in Ireland.