In February of 2020, the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa visited India, marking a key event given that the last visit by a Portuguese President to India occurred in 2007. His trip signifies strengthening relations between the two nations.
Key Agreements and Understandings
The visit witnessed the signing of 14 agreements and understandings spanning various sectors. These include maritime heritage, maritime transport and port development, migration and mobility, start-ups, Intellectual Property Rights, aerospace, nano-biotechnology, audiovisual co-production, yoga, diplomatic training, scientific research, and public policy.
One notable agreement includes cooperation to build a national maritime museum heritage complex in Lothal, Gujarat. Further, Portugal voiced its support for India’s place as a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations.
Joint Economic Committee
The upcoming session of the India-Portugal Joint Economic Committee will take place in India. This meeting will review the extent of bilateral trade and economic relations. Alongside this, Portugal passed its support for the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
Goa: A Focal Point of the Visit
While in Goa, President Sousa visited significant historical locations including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where relics of St. Francis Xavier are preserved. Not stopping there, he also visited Institute Mater Dei Santa Monica, Christian Art Museum, and church structures deemed world heritage monuments by UNESCO.
St. Francis Xavier was a pivotal figure in establishing Christianity in India. The Portuguese established Santa Monica Church over 450 years ago, making it one of the first Portuguese-built churches in Goa.
Future Collaborations
Portugal may soon join the International Solar Alliance. In addition, India could become an Associate Observer of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. This could strengthen their partnerships in Africa and elsewhere. It also amplifies India’s deepening engagement with the European Union (EU), particularly when Portugal assumes the EU presidency in 2021.
India-Portugal Historical Relationship
Diplomatic relations between India and Portugal were first established in 1949. However, disagreements over Portugal’s enclaves eventually led to severed ties by 1955. After India’s military liberated Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961, relations started improving again. A treaty recognising India’s sovereignty over Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli signed in 1974 further solidified this relationship.
Bilateral S&T cooperation under the Agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology signed on 3rd December, 1998 continues to be actively fostered. The Centre for Indian Studies at the University of Lisbon was inaugurated in April 2016, becoming the first centre in any university in Portugal dedicated to the study of India.
This ongoing relationship between the two countries is testament to a commitment towards mutual growth and development.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024