Portugal Parliamentary Delegation Meets RS Deputy Chairman
Harivansh highlights deep India–Portugal ties rooted in history, democracy and cultural links
- Portuguese parliamentary delegation meets Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh in Parliament
- India–Portugal ties rooted in shared democratic values and historical connections
- Deputy Chairman highlights growing trade and investment cooperation
- Parliamentary exchanges and cultural engagement encouraged
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th March: A parliamentary delegation from Portugal led by Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos met Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh at Parliament House on Thursday, reaffirming the strong and historic ties between India and Portugal.
During the meeting, Harivansh highlighted that India–Portugal relations are rooted in deep friendship, mutual respect, shared democratic values, and longstanding historical and maritime connections, along with strong cultural and diaspora linkages.
He recalled that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal, making it a milestone year for both nations.
Portugal’s role in India–EU engagement
The Deputy Chairman acknowledged Portugal’s important role in promoting India’s engagement with the European Union.
He noted that Portugal hosted the first India–EU Summit in 2000 and later organised the India–EU+27 Leaders’ Summit in Porto in 2021, which helped strengthen cooperation between India and the European bloc.
Harivansh also referred to the 16th India–EU Summit co-chaired by former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in his capacity as President of the European Council along with the President of the European Commission and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Growing political and economic cooperation
Highlighting political cooperation between the two countries, Harivansh said regular high-level interactions have guided bilateral relations and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
He also referred to the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2024, which focused on strengthening economic linkages.
The Deputy Chairman noted that bilateral trade between India and Portugal has shown steady growth, with cooperation expanding in areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, electronics and defence.
Traditional sectors such as textiles, cork, agricultural products and machinery also continue to play an important role in trade relations.
Cultural ties and diaspora links
Harivansh also highlighted the growing interest in Portugal for Indian culture and traditions including yoga, Ayurveda, music, dance, cuisine and cinema.
He said the vibrant Indian diaspora in Portugal serves as a strong bridge between the two countries, strengthening cultural and historical ties.
The Deputy Chairman noted that the Indo-Portuguese community, with deep ancestral connections to India, plays an important role in reinforcing bilateral relations.
Call for stronger parliamentary exchanges
Emphasising the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Harivansh said India and Portugal share a long tradition of parliamentary exchanges.
He suggested that such interactions should be expanded, particularly among younger members of parliament who represent the future leadership of both nations.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Chairman said there are natural synergies between India and Portugal and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities for a forward-looking partnership.
