Lisbon, Nov 5 – India and Portugal met in the Portuguese capital for the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations, a meeting that covers every aspect of the two countries’ partnership.
The discussion touched on politics, trade, culture and people‑to‑people ties, and also covered defence, security, renewable energy, agriculture, science, tourism and education. Officials said they want to speed up talks on pending bilateral agreements so they can be signed sooner.
The talks were co‑chaired by India’s Secretary (West), Sibi George, and Portugal’s Director‑General for Foreign Policy, Helena Malcata. The two sides agreed to hold the next round in New Delhi at a time that works for both sides.
During his visit, George also met Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ana Isabel Xavier.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the two countries have a long, historic relationship that is now turning into a forward‑looking partnership. It added that 2025 marks 50 years since diplomatic relations were re‑established, a milestone that has seen high‑level visits from India’s President, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Finance Minister to Portugal.
Portugal continues to back India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Portugal first suggested an India‑EU summit while then‑Prime Minister António Guterres headed to the United Nations. The first India‑EU Summit was later held in Lisbon in 2000 under the EU presidency.
Source: ianslive
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