India and Portugal Mark Milestone with 5th Foreign Office Consultations in Lisbon

India and Portugal convened the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Lisbon on 3 November 2025, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic engagement between the two nations as they celebrate 50 years of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. The consultations, co-chaired by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West) from India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Ms. Helena Malcata, Director General for Foreign Policy at Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reviewed the comprehensive spectrum of bilateral ties and charted the course for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.​

Comprehensive Review of Bilateral Relations

Both sides conducted a thorough assessment of bilateral relations encompassing political relations, trade and economic cooperation, cultural ties, and people-to-people connections. The discussions extended to strategic areas including defence and security, renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, tourism, and education. The delegations reviewed the current status of bilateral agreements under negotiation and committed to expediting these discussions for early conclusion.​

India-EU Relations and Multilateral Cooperation

The consultations provided a platform for both nations to exchange views on India-EU relations alongside regional and global issues of common interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation in multilateral fora, including the United Nations. This dialogue assumes particular relevance as a senior team of EU negotiators was simultaneously in New Delhi from 3 to 7 November 2025 for discussions on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.​

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

During the visit, Secretary (West) Shri Sibi George called on Ms. Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, reinforcing the high-level political dialogue between the two countries. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation across trade, education, and mobility.​

Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Ties

The consultations take place during a landmark year as both countries celebrate 50 years of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the activities undertaken to commemorate this milestone, which has witnessed high-level visits from India including those by the President of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Finance Minister. President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to Portugal in April 2025 represented the visit by an Indian President in 27 years.​

Future Engagement

It was agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be held in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates, ensuring the continuity of this important institutional dialogue mechanism. This commitment underscores both nations' determination to maintain the momentum of their strengthening partnership and translate shared objectives into concrete outcomes across political, economic, and people-to-people dimensions.