Modi's Portugal visit: 11 agreements signed to boost research, start-ups
Kicking off his three-nation foreign tour, PM Modi stopped by Portugal and held talks with Portuguese PM Antonio Costa on intensifying bilateral co-operation. Marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Portugal, both sides inked agreements including promoting youth exchanges, start-ups and scientific co-operation. From Portugal, Modi flew to Washington DC, to meet with President Trump for the very first time.
Portugal was the first stop in PM Modi's four-day three-nation visit. Making a second stop in the US, his first meeting with President Trump is the highlight of the visit. He is also expected to stop by Netherlands while returning from the US.
Portugal was the first country to colonize India. Goa, captured by Alfonso de Albequerque, Governor of Portuguese India in 1510, remained under Portuguese control until its liberation by the Indian Army in 1961. Diplomatic and trade relations have grown strong since then. Six MoUs on areas including defence co-operation and renewable technology were signed during PM Costa's most recent visit to India in January.
Indian-origin PM Costa served a specially prepared Gujarati vegetarian lunch for the PM comprising of dishes including Aakhu Shaak, consisting of spice-stuffed vegetables, kesar rice, rajma aur makai, papad, paranthas and gulab jamun.
Both countries agreed upon 11 agreements including a joint fund worth 4 million Euros for scientific research, higher education, sports and cultural relations. Portugal also endorsed India's bid for membership in the UNSC and multilateral export control regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Portugal also handed over to India 12,000 documents including letters written in the 17th century between the two countries.
The two leaders also agreed to set up the India-Portugal International StartUp Hub (IPISH), a unique portal to emphasize upon common interests concerning start-ups. Supported by Startup India and Startup Portugal, it aims to create a "mutually supportive entrepreneurial partnership".
