Sat Dec 14 17:01:15 UTC 2024: ## Portugal Urges Speedy Conclusion of EU-India Free Trade Agreement
**NEW DELHI, December 14, 2024** – Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel concluded a four-day visit to India advocating for a swift conclusion of the long-stalled EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Speaking to *The Hindu*, Mr. Rangel emphasized the geopolitical importance of the agreement, arguing that it’s crucial to counter growing global protectionism and transactional diplomacy.
Mr. Rangel’s visit, his first since Portugal’s new government took office in April, follows a meeting between Prime Ministers Modi and Montenegro at the G20 summit in Brazil. Discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar included plans to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal next year, a milestone that acknowledges a complex past marked by India’s struggle for independence from Portuguese rule.
The Portuguese Minister highlighted the economic benefits of the FTA, emphasizing the EU’s potential to counterbalance the economic influence of China and the US. He acknowledged concerns raised by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the slow progress of negotiations, but called for pragmatism and mutual concessions to reach an agreement. Bilateral trade between India and the EU reached $137.41 billion in 2023-24, making the EU India’s largest trading partner for goods. The next round of trade talks is scheduled for January 2025 in Lisbon.
Mr. Rangel also reaffirmed Portugal’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, advocating for broader UN reforms. He acknowledged past mistakes made during Portugal’s colonial period and emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural ties between India and Portugal, particularly in light of Goa’s history. His visit included a trip to Goa on Saturday before departing from India.
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