India, April 2026: IDA Ireland, the Irish government’s Foreign Direct Investment agency, has appointed Kanishk Kumar as Country Director – India. Over the past decade, IDA Ireland has witnessed substantial growth and transformation across its global FDI portfolio. Today, IDA Ireland partners with over 1800 client companies, collectively employing over 300,000 people and contributing over €40 billion annually to the Irish economy.
Kumar brings close to two decades of experience advising businesses on international expansion, market entry, and cross-border investment strategy, and will lead IDA Ireland’s efforts to accelerate investment flows from India and deepen partnerships in high-growth sectors in India including technology, semiconductors, life sciences, medtech, and fintech.
Over the past decade, IDA Ireland has witnessed substantial growth and transformation across its global FDI portfolio. Employment within IDA-supported companies has increased by 55%, crossing 300,000 jobs, while capital expenditure has grown by 131% and spend on Irish goods and services by 136%. IDA Ireland’s 2025–2029 strategy in India – ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation’ places strong emphasis on future-facing growth drivers including digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, sustainability, and health, positioning Ireland at the forefront of global innovation and next-generation industries.
Paraic Hayes, Director Asia Pac, IDA Ireland, added, “As Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a strategic gateway to the European Union, Kanishk’s appointment reflects both the strength of the India–Ireland relationship and our ambition to deepen it further. Built on nearly 75 years of bilateral ties, this partnership is increasingly defined by shared priorities in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. We look forward to a new chapter of engagement under his leadership.”
Commenting on his appointment, Kanishk Kumar, Country Director – India, IDA Ireland, said, “Ireland has built a compelling case as a gateway to Europe, one that aligns closely with what Indian companies are looking for in a global investment partner: stability, talent, innovation infrastructure, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. I am excited to take on this role and look forward to strengthening those partnerships and creating investment opportunities that work for both countries.”
