India–Portugal delegation explores trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration opportunities

A business delegation from Portugal engaged with Indian industry stakeholders at an interactive session hosted by World Trade Center Mumbai in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade and identifying collaboration opportunities across key sectors.

A high-level delegation from Portugal participated in an interactive session with the Indian business community in Mumbai on 26 March 2026. The event was organised by World Trade Center Mumbai in collaboration with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), bringing together government representatives, business leaders, MSMEs, and institutional stakeholders. Discussions centred on enhancing trade and investment ties between India and Portugal, particularly in sectors such as IT, renewable energy, manufacturing, and services.

In the Image: Mrs. Maria Manuela de Macedo Franco, Consul General of Portugal in Goa addressing at the event.

H.E. Maria Manuela de Macedo Franco, Consul General of Portugal in Goa, said, “Engaging with Portugal is not just about accessing one market, it opens doors to multiple global regions through our strong linkages with Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Portuguese-speaking world. Portugal can serve as a strategic gateway to Europe, offering strong connectivity and market access. By strengthening cooperation and reducing barriers, there is significant potential to deepen trade and investment ties between India and Portugal, particularly in IT and services, where both nations have strong capabilities.”

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “India–Portugal bilateral trade currently stands at around USD 1.4 billion, with significant potential for growth across services, tourism, IT, infrastructure, and startups. Portugal serves as a strategic gateway to the European Union, and with the proposed India–EU FTA, there is immense scope to expand trade and investment into wider European markets, and with strong momentum, bilateral trade can grow multifold by 2030. As India advances towards its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, Portugal’s expertise in renewable energy can play a key role in supporting this transition through technology and collaboration.”

Capt. Somesh Batra, Honorary Consul of Portugal and Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai, said, “India and Portugal share a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. There is strong potential for collaboration in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, education, and technology. Through Portugal, Indian exporters can gain access to quality-driven and high-value markets across the European Union. With India continuing to grow at around 7% even amid global volatility, the opportunity for deeper economic engagement is substantial.”

Cristina Castanheira Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer, Capgemini Portugal, said, “India has emerged as a global leader in technology and innovation. Portugal, though a nation of 10 million people, serves as a gateway to dynamic markets across Europe. Capgemini chose Portugal for its strong foundation in technology and engineering excellence and its vibrant startup ecosystem. There is significant potential for collaboration between Indian and Portuguese companies in digital transformation, AI, advanced engineering, and IT services. We see India not as a distant partner, but as a key relationship for the 21st century, with India–Portugal collaboration delivering world-class outcomes.

Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “Both nations can effectively leverage their respective strengths, India’s scale and growth potential, and Portugal’s strategic market access and capabilities. We are encouraged by the strong participation, with over 100 companies engaging with the Portugal delegation. This marks the fifth delegation from Portugal hosted at WTC Mumbai in the past year, reflecting growing bilateral interest and strong business potential between the two countries.”

The session also included a question-and-answer segment, where participants discussed market entry strategies, collaboration opportunities, and sector-specific engagement.

The meeting highlighted the expanding engagement between India and Portugal and focused on leveraging strengths across both economies to support trade, investment, and innovation.