The largest-ever Irish trade delegation to India will leave next month, led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in his first official state visit to the country.
The six-day mission of six Cabinet ministers and 120 business leaders is part of the Government's "Asia Strategy" targeting countries like Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Mr Ahern, who led a major trade mission to China earlier this year to forge stronger economic ties, will be accompanied by Minister for Enterprise Micheal Martin, Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin, Arts and Culture Minister John O'Donoghue and their officials.
Delegates aim to open up new markets in information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and tourism.
India is the second most populous country in the world, with over one billion people, and is the seventh-largest by geographical area.
Its economy is ranked as the tenth largest in the world in terms of currency conversion and the fourth largest in terms of purchasing power parity.
It recorded annual growth rates of around 8 per cent in 2003.
The January 16th-22nd itinerary to India includes visits to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, the capital of IT and bio-technology sectors.
Mr Ahern said: "It is, in many ways, an exploratory visit.
"The basic objective is to promote trade between the two countries.
"It is also to deepen and strengthen the political and economic relations between the two countries."
Mr Ahern will meet President Dr Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the leader of the Opposition LK Advani and the Governor of Maharashtra, Shris M Krisha.
Bilateral accords signed will include the Ireland-India Cultural Agreement. As part of the itinerary, Mr Ahern will visit St Columba's Christian Brothers School in New Delhi.
The Taoiseach will also lay a wreath at Raj Ghat, the Ghandi memorial, before visiting Action for Autism, a project for autistic children in New Delhi which is part funded through the Irish Embassy by Development Co-operation Ireland.
There will also be receptions at Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland events.