Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today hold official talks with the president and prime minister of India as part of his week-long trade mission.
Mr Ahern will be aiming to enhance political and economic relations during the first State visit to the subcontinent by an Irish head of government.
He will today meet President Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
Speaking to a conference of educationalists this morning, the Taoiseach said investment in education has been one of the driving forces in Ireland's economic boom.
"Education and research to world-class standards are seen as key to Ireland's future economic and social prosperity in an increasingly knowledge-based world," Mr Ahern said.
He said existing links in the sector could be developed, adding there were nearly 700 Indian students in Ireland "and we would welcome many more.
"Important measures are being taken to enhance the attractiveness of research careers in Ireland. This is essential to enhance Ireland's international reputation as a knowledge hub."
Speaking to business leaders earlier, Mr Ahern highlighted the role of information technology in Ireland's economic boom, and the potential for collaboration with Indian companies and for development of the Indian market for Irish enterprise.
He also said their was potential to develop Indian markets for the food and drinks industry, noting the importance of international trade to the Irish economy.
Although Ireland relies heavily on foreign direct investment, Mr Ahern pointed out that Irish-owned companies had achieved overseas sales of €11 billion last year .
The Taoiseach will later lay a wreath at Raj Ghat, the Ghandi memorial; visit St Columba's Christian Brothers School in the city; and open the Indo-Irish Friendship Council.
The Taoiseach is accompanied on the trip by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, Education & Science Minister Mary Hanafin and Sports, Arts and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue.
The Irish delegation includes 80 firms drawn from a range of sectors including biotech, education, tourism, culture and the arts.