Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed COVID-19 pandemic with his Portugal counterpart, Antonio Costa, over the phone yesterday. In a tweet, PM Modi said India and Portugal will continue to work together and support each other in these trying times; especially in ensuring supplies of medical products and sharing research and best practices. The two leaders discussed the steps being taken by both countries to control the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Modi commended PM Costa for his effective handling of the crisis. The Portuguese Prime Minister also congratulated PM Modi on the good results achieved; in containing the pandemic in a country as large and populous as India. They noted that proactive national measures were helpful in containing the spread of the virus. They offered all possible help to each other in dealing with the situation. Further, agreed to collaborate on research and innovation aimed at fighting COVID-19.
PM Modi thanked PM Costa for extending the validity of visas of Indian travellers to Portugal; who could not return because of the lockdown. Prime Minister Costa expressed his appreciation for the facilitation provided by Indian authorities to Portuguese citizens in India. The leaders agreed to remain in touch and consult each other on the evolving dimensions of the crisis; as well as the post-COVID context. During the conversation, Mr Modi recalled the State Visit of President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to India in February.
