Jaishankar Meets Portuguese Counterpart, Discuss Bilateral Ties, West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia, Indo-Pacific

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho in Lisbon, discussing progress in bilateral economic cooperation and exchanging views on West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho in Lisbon on Tuesday, October 31st. The two discussed progress in bilateral economic cooperation and exchanged views on West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

Progress in Bilateral Economic Cooperation

Jaishankar noted the progress in bilateral economic cooperation between India and Portugal. He said that the transformations underway in India can help take the partnership to a higher level. Cooperation in the global workplace and the digital domain offers great potential.

Views on West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Indo-Pacific

Jaishankar and Cravinho also exchanged views on West Asia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. These are all regions of strategic importance to both India and Portugal.

Importance of Cooperation Between Democracies

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met with Augusto Santos Silva, the President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic. They discussed the importance of cooperation between democracies in a volatile world.

Diaspora Engagements and Tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Jaishankar also participated in some diaspora engagements and paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba, in front of the Temple Radha Krishna in Lisbon.

Upcoming Meetings in Portugal and Italy

Jaishankar is expected to meet with other Portuguese leaders, members of the Portugal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, and the Indian community in Portugal. He will then travel to Italy, where he will meet with his counterpart Antonio Tajani, Minister of Defence, and Minister for Made in Italy.

Jaishankar's visit to Portugal and Italy is aimed at further bolstering India's bilateral ties with the two key European nations. The meetings and discussions held during the visit are expected to strengthen cooperation between India and Portugal and pave the way for enhanced engagement in various areas of mutual interest.