Bilateral relations Editorial WORLD World News

India-Portugal Relations :

India and Portugal share warm and friendly relations, characterized by historical connections, growing cooperation across various sectors, and mutual support in multilateral forums . In April 2025, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conducted a State Visit to Portugal, emphasizing the multifaceted partnership between the two nations .

Key aspects of India-Portugal relations:

Historical Ties: Relations date back over 500 years, marked by the discovery of a direct sea route between Europe and India by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 . Diplomatic relations were established in 1949 .
Political Relations: Portugal views India as a vibrant democracy with close historical and cultural ties . Portugal supports India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council and the Nuclear Suppliers Group .
Economic Cooperation:
- Bilateral trade in FY 2022-23 amounted to US$1,201.41 million, with Indian exports at US$1,005.41 million and Portuguese exports at US$196 million . Trade has been growing steadily .
- Both countries aim to strengthen economic ties in renewable energies, scientific innovation, ocean research, information technology, the defense industry, agriculture, education, teaching, and culture .
- Potential areas for Portuguese companies in India include infrastructure, renewable energy, footwear, textiles, tourism, defense, IT, and agriculture .
Defense Cooperation: An MoU on defense cooperation was signed in January 2017, with regular exchanges and participation in defense expos .
Science and Technology: Cooperation exists through the Indo-Portuguese Joint Science & Technology Committee (JSTC), with discussions covering joint research, green hydrogen, and exchange of scientists .
Cultural Relations: A MOU on cultural cooperation exists, facilitating cultural performances, youth exchanges, and art exhibitions .
Indian Community in Portugal: The Indian diaspora in Portugal is estimated at around 125,000, contributing to Portugal’s economic prosperity .
High-Level Visits: Regular high-level visits between the two countries have provided momentum to the relationship .
- President K. R. Narayanan (1998) and President R. Venkataraman (1990) visited Portugal .
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Portugal in June 2017 .
- Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lisbon in 2000 for the first India-EU Summit .
Areas of Cooperation: Both countries are strengthening ties in talent and youth mobility, the blue economy, the digital economy, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate change .
Multilateral Forums: Both countries actively support each other’s candidatures at the United Nations and other multilateral forums .

Trade evolved between India and Portugal :

Trade between India and Portugal has been steadily growing, with both countries exploring opportunities to deepen their economic ties …

Overall Trade Value: In fiscal year 2022-23, the total trade between India and Portugal reached $1,201.41 million .
Exports: Indian exports to Portugal were valued at $1,005.41 million . Key exports include textiles, agricultural products, metals, chemicals, and machinery . However, exports experienced a 40.4% decline in June 2023 .
Imports: Portuguese exports to India amounted to $196 million . Portugal’s main exports to India include machinery, metals, plastics, and chemicals . Imports also saw a decrease of 2.59% in June 2023 .
Growth Over the Years: Trade between India and Portugal has grown 50% over the last five years .
Key Sectors: Emerging opportunities for trade and investment lie in renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure . Both countries are also focusing on strengthening business ties in areas like IT, construction, and hospitality .
Trade Trends: Recent data indicates a decline in both exports and imports between India and Portugal. The drop in India’s exports was mainly due to decreases in cotton yarn, organic chemicals, and plastic raw materials . Similarly, imports from Portugal fell in commodities, industrial machinery, and plastic raw materials .
Future Focus: Areas of focus for enhancing trade include renewable energy (especially solar and wind power), infrastructure, textiles, tourism, and IT .