Brasilia [Brazil], June 3 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held key discussions in Lisbon on Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, President of the Assembleia da Republica of Portugal, focusing on enhancing India-Portugal cooperation amid global challenges. Birla also met with Tuvalu’s Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Maina Talia, who strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed solidarity with India.
In a post on X, Speaker Birla stated, “Had a productive meeting with H.E. Mr. Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco in Lisbon today. Highlighted the imperative of strengthening our bilateral ties in light of evolving global challenges. We identified significant potential for collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, and defence manufacturing. Shared how India is leveraging technology, including AI, for transparent, efficient, and people-centric legislative processes. I extended an invitation to Portuguese legislators to participate in capacity-building programmes organized by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. I also reiterated India’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ stance on terrorism and called for global unity in this critical fight.”
Birla emphasized the urgency of global action against all institutions—state or non-state—that support terrorism. “Met Dr. Maina Talia, Hon’ble Minister of Tuvalu, in Lisbon today. We discussed ongoing development cooperation and Tuvalu’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir. The time has come for decisive global action against those who support and promote terrorism,” Birla said.
During the meeting, the Tuvaluan minister expressed firm support for India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack and was among the first to publicly condemn the incident. In return, Birla briefed Tuvalu on Operation Sindoor, India’s counterterrorism response. He reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong message that India will not maintain trade or diplomatic relations with nations supporting terrorism.
Birla’s visit to Lisbon follows his arrival on Monday, where he expressed enthusiasm about strengthening India-Portugal parliamentary ties. “Our nations share a deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, benefiting citizens and advancing global peace,” he noted on arrival.
The bilateral talks with Tuvalu also explored possibilities of enhancing diplomatic and strategic engagement. Discussions included the consideration of opening an Indian Embassy in Tuvalu and expanding cooperation under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework.
Birla further offered support to Tuvaluan youth through India’s PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies) initiative, pledging enhanced educational, training, and digital collaboration. He reiterated that since the launch of FIPIC, Tuvalu has become a special partner for India in the Pacific region.
The meetings in Lisbon reflect India’s growing commitment to deepening ties with both European and Pacific nations, focusing on shared values, global peace, and development partnerships. (ANI)
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