Transformations underway in India can help take bilateral partnership to a higher level, says EAM Jaishankar
India's bilateral ties with Portugal received a fresh impetus with the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on October 31-November 1, 2023.
 
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Antonio Costa in addition to President of the Portuguese Parliament (Assembly of the Republic) Augusto Santos Silva, and held delegation level talks with his counterpart Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Costa reiterated his strong support to furthering bilateral ties as well as deepening of linkages between India and Portugal and EU. 
 
EAM Jaishankar appreciated the Portuguese Prime Minister's guidance for the further development of India-Portugal ties.
 
"Pleasure to meet Prime Minister @antoniocostapm today. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed contemporary challenges and appreciated his guidance for the further development of our ties," he said on social media platform X.
 
EAM Jaishankar and President of the Assembly Santos Silva discussed the importance of furthering cooperation between the two nations. EAM Jaishankar also met with the members of the Portugal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.
 
GROWING POTENTIAL IN SECTORS LIKE IT, HEALTH 
 
EAM Jaishankar held extensive discussions with FM Cravinho on the entire range of the bilateral relationship.
 
According to the MEA, they discussed trade and investment as well as the growing potential in several sectors including IT, health and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, defence industry, start-ups and mobility of youth, professionals and skilled workers. 
 
"Productive talks with FM @JoaoCravinho in Lisbon. 
 
Noted the progress in our bilateral economic cooperation. Appreciated the sustained political exchanges and Portugal’s support for India-EU ties. 
 
Transformations underway in India can help take our partnership to a higher level. Cooperating on the global workplace and the digital domain offer great potential. 
 
Exchanged views on West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific," EAM Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X. 
 
Both sides agreed to implementation of Standard Operating Procedure for a pilot project for realising full benefits of the agreement on the recruitment of Indian citizens to work in the Portuguese Republic and begin the India-Portugal Consular Dialogue. They decided to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Committee to take stock of bilateral economic relations at an early date, the MEA said.
 
EAM Jaishankar and FM Cravinho also exchanged views on important regional and international developments including India-EU relations, connectivity with focus on India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
 
Addressing a gathering of the Indian community in the presence of Foreign Minister Cravinho, EAM Jaishankar highlighted Portugal's contribution in promoting closer India-EU ties.
 
"Addressed the Indian Community in Portugal. Thank FM @JoaoCravinho for joining. 
 
Highlighted Portugal's contribution in promoting closer India-EU ties. The Porto 2021 Summit is a milestone. 
 
Recognized the relevance of the Migration and Mobility Partnership in a Global workplace. Appreciated the need for direct air connectivity. 
 
Shared the transformation underway in India that provides new opportunities for cooperation. Urged the community to contribute to the 50th anniversary celebrations of our diplomatic ties," EAM said in a post on X.
 
While in Lisbon, EAM Jaishankar visited the Marine Museum where he was briefed on the ongoing cooperation between the two sides on the development of the Maritime Heritage Complex being set up in Lothal, Gujarat.
 
He visited the Radha Krishna temple; paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi, and paid tributes on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. He also addressed members of the Indian community and friends at a reception organised by the Embassy of India. Foreign Minister H.E. Joao Gomes Cravinho also graced the occasion.
 
According to the MEA, EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Portugal further consolidated the long-standing ties between the two countries, based on historical and close cultural linkages as well as the forward-looking contemporary partnership. The two sides decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025.