The Ministry of Exterior Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared particulars of the assembly on X, noting that either side reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and world problems with mutual curiosity.
Secretary (West) within the Ministry of Exterior Affairs, Ambassador Sibi George, led the Indian delegation, whereas the Portuguese facet was represented by Helena Malceta, Director Common of International Coverage at Portugal's Ministry of International Affairs.
“Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorgecalled on HE Ms. Ana Isable Xavier @aixavier, Secretary of State of Portugal throughout his go to to Lisbon. He additionally held the fifth spherical of India-Portugal International Workplace Consultations with Ms. Helena Malceta, Director Common of International Coverage. Each side reviewed all features of India-Portugal bilateral relations and mentioned India -EU relations, problems with mutual curiosity together with regional and world developments,” MEA stated in a submit on X on Monday.
https://x.com/MEAIndia/standing/1985399407190425760
Through the talks, either side exchanged views on political, financial, cultural, and technological cooperation, and explored methods to additional deepen engagement in rising sectors comparable to renewable vitality, digital innovation, startups, and maritime partnership.As a part of his go to, Ambassador Sibi George additionally known as on Portugal's Secretary of State, Ana Isabel Xavier. The assembly centered on strengthening political dialogue and increasing cooperation throughout commerce, schooling, and mobility.India's relations with Portugal have traditionally been heat and pleasant. Diplomatic ties had been established in 1949, and the 2 nations share a connection that dates again over 500 years when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first arrived in Calicut (now Kozhikode), Kerala, in 1498. Over time, Portugal has been a constant supporter of India's bid for everlasting membership within the UN Safety Council and its inclusion within the Nuclear Suppliers Group, as per MEA.
Portugal additionally performed a key position in initiating the primary India-EU Summit. The thought was proposed in the course of the tenure of present UN Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres, who was then Prime Minister of Portugal. The inaugural India-EU Summit was subsequently held in Lisbon in 2000 beneath the Portuguese presidency of the European Union and was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The newest consultations come at a time when India and the European Union are working to advance the proposed India-EU Free Commerce Settlement (FTA). A senior staff of EU negotiators is presently in New Delhi from November 3 to 7, 2025, to carry talks geared toward resolving key points and transferring towards a balanced commerce framework that advantages either side, in response to a press assertion by Ministry of Commerce & Trade.
This follows Union Commerce and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal's latest go to to Brussels (October 27-28), the place he held discussions with European Commissioner for Commerce and Financial Safety, Maros Sefcovic. Each side reaffirmed their dedication to expedite negotiations and construct a complete commerce and funding partnership.
