Key MoUs signed between India and Portugal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Portuguese Counterpart Antonio Costa on Saturday. After the talks several MoUs were inked between the two nations. Portuguese PM Costa is of Indian origin, and the chemistry between the two leaders was there for all to see.

This warm embrace cements the deep connect between India and Portugal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Antonio Costa held in-depth talks on cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism, space and climate studies.

In the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister, the two nations inked 11 pacts to boost bilateral ties.

From an India-Portugal Space Alliance to Nano technology to the field of education and culture, the range of pacts is expansive.

A four million euros joint fund to bolster research in science and technology was also announced.

India and Portugal share a vibrant and growing people to people ties and the cultural engagement between the two nations is ever expanding. Taking this forward PM Modi announced setting up of a Chair for Indian Studies in University of Lisbon and developing a Hindi-Portuguese dictionary for mutual benefit.

On a lighter note, PM Modi referred to the Portuguese passion for football. He said Prime Minister Costa himself is a big football fan and this could form another link to further connect the two societies.

Thanking Portugal for its consistent support for India’s permanent membership of UNSC, PM stressed on the strong bilateral partnership in the international arena. Prime Minister Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the major wildfire in Portugal that killed 64 people last week.