Speaking on WION, Carnegie India’s Constantino Xavier discussed the historical background of the India-Portugal relationship, and why it took more than thirty years for an Indian prime minister to pay a bilateral visit to the southern European country. He argued that the delay in conducting bilateral relations was due to the long-standing Portuguese colonial regime in Goa and parts of Daman and Diu, which ended in 1961, long after India’s independence. The integration of Portugal to Europe and India’s status as a growing economic power, he said, have now created favorable conditions for reengagement between the two countries.

This interview was conducted by WION.