New Delhi: In Lisbon, India and Portugal held their third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs), where they assessed their bilateral ties and spoke about ways they might work together on things like defence, culture, and people-to-people interactions.

Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in MEA, and the representative Rui Vinhas, Director General for Foreign Policy at Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared leadership of the consultations. According to a news statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, diplomat Verma also spoke with Francisco Andre, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

High-level political engagements

The two sides conducted a thorough assessment of their bilateral relations with an emphasis on matters like as high-level political engagements, implementation of the migration and mobility agreement, strengthening of trade and economic connections, and exploration of new and existing co-operation in fields science and technology, defence, cultural and people-to-people relations, etc.

The two sides agreed to work closely in multilateral cooperation, including at the UN, the Communidade dos Paises da Lingua Portuguesa (CPLP), and at the EU level to follow up on the outcomes of the India-EU Leaders’ Summit held in Porto in May 2021. They also discussed regional and international issues of shared interest.

Both nations to fight climate change together

Both parties also committed to collaborate in brand-new areas including fighting climate change, air connectivity, reciprocal recognition of academic credentials, and sustainable food. In order to explore collaboration with Lusophone nations, the Secretary (West) also conducted in-depth conversations with the Executive Secretary of the CPLP, Zacarias da Costa.

The Indian side renewed their offer for CPLP nations to take part in the projected Lusophone Festival in Goa in December 2022. In July 2021, India joined the CPLP as an observer, according to the press announcement.

Raising awareness on millets

A reception was hosted by the Mission where millets-based recipes were served to raise awareness of the International Year of Millets 2023 and food sustainability. Secretary (West) also interacted with other officials, academicians, business representatives, and members of the Indo-Portuguese community.

Europe-India Strategic Dialogue to be held

Prior to this meeting, the Indian delegation took part in the Europe-India Strategic Dialogue, a Track 1.5 project of the Anant-Aspen Centre, the Institut Montaigne in Paris, and the Fundacao Oriente in Lisbon. Topics covered included connectivity, free trade, energy, and regional security. During a roundtable discussion hosted by Fundacao Oriente, the Secretary (West) also spoke with the foreign minister, Joao Cravinho.

Historical and cordial bilateral ties between India and Portugal are based on common commitments to democracy and sustainable development. These ties are bolstered by regular high-level interactions. The next round of Consultations will take place in New Delhi on a date that works for both parties.