CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accompanied by three Ministers, Parliamentarians and business people visited India from February 13-16, 2020. 32 MOUs/ outcomes were signed. President Sousa visited Delhi, Mumbai and Goa.

Detailed explanation-2: -With the signing of this treaty in New Delhi on December 31, 1974, diplomatic relations were re-established and an era of friendly bilateral relations began. The two countries today share warm and friendly ties. Portugal and India cooperate actively in multilateral fora including support for each others’ candidatures.

Detailed explanation-3: -Relations with Portugal today remain close, friendly and devoid of irritants. Diplomatic relations between India and Portugal were established in 1949 but following problems on negotiations over Goa, all diplomatic and consular links were severed in September 1, 1955. Goa was liberated in 1961.

Detailed explanation-4: -As of 2022, there were an estimated 75, 000 people of Indian origin living in Portugal, concentrated in Lisbon and Porto. They are also found in the Algarve, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Odemira and Rio Maior.

Detailed explanation-5: -Eventually, the Governor of Portuguese India signed the Instrument of Surrender on 19 December 1961, thus ending 450 years of Portuguese rule in India.