India and Portugal held the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Lisbon, Portugal, reviewing the entire range of bilateral cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Consultations

• Comprehensive Review: Both countries discussed cooperation across a wide range of sectors including trade and economy, defence and security, renewable energy and Agriculture among others.
• Multilateral Cooperation: India and Portugal reaffirmed their commitment to continue close collaboration in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations (UN), emphasizing their shared approach to global governance and peacebuilding.
• India–EU Relations: Both delegations exchanged views on India–European Union (EU) relations and regional as well as global developments of mutual interest.

India–Portugal Relations

• Historical Connections:
  • Relations trace back over 500 years to 1498, when Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut (Kozhikode), establishing the first direct sea route between Europe and India.
  • Goa became the capital of Portuguese activities in Asia, spanning from Mozambique to Malacca.
  • 1961: India liberated Goa, Daman, and Diu under Operation Vijay, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule.
  • 1974: After Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, the two nations normalized relations; a Treaty of Recognition of Indian Sovereignty was signed (31 Dec 1974, in force 3 June 1975).
• Political Relations: 
  • Portugal supports India’s candidature for a permanent UNSC seat and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
  • Portugal was the first to propose India–EU Summits (2000 Lisbon Summit).
• Major Bilateral Engagements:
  • 2017–2020: Intensified cooperation through MoUs in Defence, Renewable Energy, IT, Marine Research, Startups, Agriculture etc.
  • Labour Mobility Agreement (2021): First such agreement by Portugal with a non-EU country, enabling legal migration of Indian workers.
• Cooperation in Multilateral Fora:
  • Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP): India is an Associate Observer (since 2021) — enhancing engagement with Lusophone nations (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.).
  • India–EU Leaders’ Summit (2021, hosted by Portugal): Focused on health, digitalization, and sustainable growth post-COVID-19.
  • Shared Global Outlook: Both advocate for UN reform, sustainable development, and climate action.
• Trade and Investment:
  • Bilateral Trade: India-Portugal trade in FY 2023-24 amounted to US$1.36 billion.
    • Indian exports stood at US$1,183.80 million, while Portuguese exports to India at US$178.34 million.
  • Major Indian exports: Textiles, machinery, metals, chemicals, plastics, vehicles, footwear.
  • Portuguese exports: Machinery, metals, chemicals, minerals, textiles, optical instruments.
• Science and Technology Cooperation:
  • Agreement (1998): Established Indo–Portuguese Joint S&T Committee (JSTC).
  • 6th JSTC (2023): Joint €4 million research fund; focus on green hydrogen, net-zero industry, startup exchange.
  • India–Portugal Tech Summit (2020): Focus on Healthtech, Cleantech, Agrotech, Space–Ocean Research.

About Portugal

• Location: Southwestern Europe, on the West Coast of  Iberian Peninsula.
• Bordering Nations/Waterbodies: 
  • East & North: Spain
  • West & South: Atlantic Ocean
  • Includes islands: Azores and Madeira Archipelagos (autonomous regions) in the North Atlantic, administered by Portugal
• Terrain: Ranges from mountainous regions in the north to rolling plains and lowlands in the south.
• Major Mountain Ranges: 
  • Serra da Estrela (highest point on mainland, 1,993 m)
  • Serra do Marão, Serra de São Mamede
• Climate: Predominantly Mediterranean Climate with Mild winters and warm summers; moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.
  • North: Cooler and wetter (influenced by Atlantic westerlies).
  • South: Warmer and drier (semi-arid tendencies in Algarve).
• Rivers: 
  • Tagus (Tejo) is the longest river flowing through Lisbon
  • Minho: Northernmost river forming boundary with Spain. 

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