Parliamentary Delegation from Portugal calls on Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha

A Parliamentary Delegation led by Mr. Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos, Vice President of the Portuguese Parliament, called on the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, in Parliament today.

Underlining the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries, Shri Harivansh stated that the relations of India and Portugal are rooted in deep friendship, mutual respect, shared democratic values, historical & maritime connections and cultural & diaspora linkages. He recalled that the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal was celebrated in the year 2025 making the year very special for both the countries.

Shri Harivansh appreciated key role played by Portugal towards promoting India’s engagement with European union – hosting the first India -EU summit in year 2000 and also first India- EU + 27 leaders summit held in Porto in 2021. He noted that the highly successful 16th India-EU Summit was co-chaired by Mr. Antonio Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal in capacity as President of European Council alongwith President of European Commission and our PM,Shri Narendra Modi.It led to big outcomes including conclusion of India-EU FTA negotiations.(UPDATED ON 5TH MARCH 2026