The two countries signed seven MoUs in various sectors including defence studies and strategic areas, science and technology, aeronautics, and yoga.

Portugal is the largest international partner of the multi-mission airlifter Embraer KC-390 Program. Embraer Company of Brazil will deliver five of these aircraft to Portugal from 2023. Portugal has been actively involved in the KC-390 programme from the development to the production of the aircraft.

According to a top official, “Portugal is interested in using this expertise with state-owned HAL.” UAVISION of Portugal and the Indian company VEDA Defence Systems have signed an agreement which focuses on technology transfer, production and co-production of unmanned aerial systems. A training centre for the drones is expected to be created in India, with Portuguese know-how.

Keeping business opportunities in Africa in mind on Saturday Shipyards of Peniche and the GOA Shipyard is expected to sign an MoU for the construction of speedboats in Portugal and India. This co-production will be done through the transfer of technology (ToT) which incorporates polymers to be utilized in the hulls.

This will be inked in the presence of the visiting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who reaches Goa tomorrow who is accompanied by a high-level delegation, in his first ever visit to India.

In 2017, Prime Minister Modi had visited Portugal when more than 10 agreements were signed in several areas which included space, avoidance of double taxation, nano-technology, biotechnology and higher education. The pacts signed after Modi-Sousa talks included a joint declaration a bilateral mobility partnership and another on maritime transport.