India and the European Union are set to grant each other ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status for five years from the date the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into effect, according to a draft of the deal released on Friday (Feb 27). This comes a month after the top European leaders visited New Delhi, during which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finalise the draft of the trade deal.<h2>What is ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status?</h2>According to the World Trade Organisation, ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status guarantees trade between the nations without discrimination and “treating other people equally”. Under the agreement, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. The status also grants special favours like a lower customs duty rate.The status also implies that neither side can give more favourable tariff terms to other trading partners for the next five years.The draft released by India’s trade ministry states that both sides have agreed not to impose new import or export restrictions beyond World Trade Organisation rules. It also adds that India and the EU will deepen cooperation on digital trade under the proposed free-trade agreement.India and the EU will begin sharing annual import data one year after the deal comes into effect to track how the agreement is being implemented and oversee tariff benefits. The two sides have also agreed to provide each other with fair and accessible appeal processes for customs decisions regarding imports, exports or goods in transit.<h2>India-EU trade deal</h2>Earlier, on January 27, India and the EU announced that the talks on the FTA had concluded. Hailed as “mother of all deals” by von der Leyen, the deal will allow 93 per cent of Indian goods to enter the 27-nation bloc duty-free. The agreement is also expected to bring down the cost of luxury cars and wine imports from the European Union.

India and the EU will grant each other ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status for five years once their FTA takes effect, following high-level talks in New Delhi between PM Modi and top EU leaders a month earlier.

India and the European Union are set to grant each other ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status for five years from the date the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into effect, according to a draft of the deal released on Friday (Feb 27). This comes a month after the top European leaders visited New Delhi, during which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finalise the draft of the trade deal. What is ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status? According to the World Trade Organisation, ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status guarantees trade between the nations without discrimination and “treating other people equally”. Under the agreement, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. The status also grants special favours like a lower customs duty rate. The status also implies that neither side can give more favourable tariff terms to other trading partners for the next five years. The draft released by India’s trade ministry states that both sides have agreed not to impose new import or export restrictions beyond World Trade Organisation rules. It also adds that India and the EU will deepen cooperation on digital trade under the proposed free-trade agreement. India and the EU will begin sharing annual import data one year after the deal comes into effect to track how the agreement is being implemented and oversee tariff benefits. The two sides have also agreed to provide each other with fair and accessible appeal processes for customs decisions regarding imports, exports or goods in transit. India-EU trade deal Earlier, on January 27, India and the EU announced that the talks on the FTA had concluded. Hailed as “mother of all deals” by von der Leyen, the deal will allow 93 per cent of Indian goods to enter the 27-nation bloc duty-free. The agreement is also expected to bring down the cost of luxury cars and wine imports from the European Union.

India and the EU will grant each other ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status for five years once their FTA takes effect, following high-level talks in New Delhi between PM Modi and top EU leaders a month earlier.

What is Most Favoured Nation? India, European Union agree on MFN status for 5 years

European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday (Jan 27) proudly stated his Indian heritage after the European Union signed a comprehensive trade agreement with New Delhi. Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Costa showed his overseas Indian card and highlighted how the conclusion of negotiation are significant for him.&nbsp;"I'm the President of the European Council, but I'm also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me it has a special meaning," he said.&nbsp;"As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens and to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development," Costa added.<h2>Costa's Goan roots</h2>Costa spoke proudly of his Indian heritage and revealed his special bond with the country: "I'm very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father's family came from, and the connection between Europe and India is something personal to me."Costa's father, Orlando da Costa, was a renowned writer whose family originally hailed from Margão in Goa, then a Portuguese territory. His paternal grandfather was born in Goa.<h2>Journey to the President of the European Council</h2>Born in Lisbon in 1961, Antonio Costa’s journey to becoming President of the European Council is a compelling story shaped by public service and his Goan roots. &nbsp;Trained as a lawyer, Costa entered politics early and steadily rose through Portugal’s ranks, serving as a parliamentarian, minister, and later Mayor of Lisbon, where his inclusive style earned wide recognition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blueprint-for-shared-prosperity-how-india-eu-fta-redefines-defence-and-security-cooperation-1769501459135">‘Blueprint for shared prosperity’: How India-EU FTA redefines defence and security cooperation</a>&nbsp;In 2015, he became Prime Minister of Portugal, leading the country through economic recovery and social reforms while strengthening Portugal’s standing in Europe. His consensus-building skills and diplomatic experience eventually propelled him to the European stage. In 2024, EU leaders chose Costa as European Council President, a role he assumed in December. Throughout his career, Costa has openly acknowledged his Indian heritage, often describing his Goan roots as a personal bridge between Europe and India.

Before becoming president of the European Council, Antonio Costa served as Prime Minister of Portugal.

European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday (Jan 27) proudly stated his Indian heritage after the European Union signed a comprehensive trade agreement with New Delhi. Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Costa showed his overseas Indian card and highlighted how the conclusion of negotiation are significant for him. "I'm the President of the European Council, but I'm also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me it has a special meaning," he said. "As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens and to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development," Costa added. Costa's Goan roots Costa spoke proudly of his Indian heritage and revealed his special bond with the country: "I'm very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father's family came from, and the connection between Europe and India is something personal to me." Costa's father, Orlando da Costa, was a renowned writer whose family originally hailed from Margão in Goa, then a Portuguese territory. His paternal grandfather was born in Goa. Journey to the President of the European Council Born in Lisbon in 1961, Antonio Costa’s journey to becoming President of the European Council is a compelling story shaped by public service and his Goan roots. Trained as a lawyer, Costa entered politics early and steadily rose through Portugal’s ranks, serving as a parliamentarian, minister, and later Mayor of Lisbon, where his inclusive style earned wide recognition. Also Read: ‘Blueprint for shared prosperity’: How India-EU FTA redefines defence and security cooperation In 2015, he became Prime Minister of Portugal, leading the country through economic recovery and social reforms while strengthening Portugal’s standing in Europe. His consensus-building skills and diplomatic experience eventually propelled him to the European stage. In 2024, EU leaders chose Costa as European Council President, a role he assumed in December. Throughout his career, Costa has openly acknowledged his Indian heritage, often describing his Goan roots as a personal bridge between Europe and India.

Before becoming president of the European Council, Antonio Costa served as Prime Minister of Portugal.

'I am an overseas Indian citizen': Know European Council President Antonio Costa's India connection

In 2015, then US President Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to be invited as chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade. 

India Republic Day 2026| From Barack Obama to EU Leaders: A complete list of Chief Guests since 2015

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer." According to a report by Euronews on Sunday (Nov 12), a lawyer for one of the defendants in the corruption scandal case revealed the error was detected during questioning and said the prosecutors recognised their mistake.&nbsp;

The report said that neither the Attorney General's Office nor the Supreme Court commented on the matter.

Antonio Costa, who became Portugal's Prime Minister in 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-head-of-state-accepts-prime-minister-antonio-costas-resignation-656244">stepped down from the top post on Nov 7</a> following an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

Costa, who has denied any wrongdoing, announced his resignation after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said his conscience was clear, but he would not stand as a candidate for premiership again.

Costa also said that he was willing to cooperate with the justice system after prosecutors said he was also the target of the investigation. Prosecutors detained five people, including Costa's chief of staff, named two formal suspects close to the sacked prime minister.

President Rebelo de Sousa has called for a snap parliamentary election in Portugal in March next year. However, Sousa said he would only disband parliament after the final vote on the 2024 budget bill, due on Nov 29, a report by the news agency Reuters said.

The president also denied Costa's plan to invite central bank (the Bank of Portugal) governor Mario Centeno to replace him as premier. Centeno faced criticism from opposition parties over his political independence and potential conflict of interest.&nbsp;

The central bank is expected to meet later on Monday to evaluate his conduct, Reuters reported.&nbsp;Opposition parties had previously questioned Centeno's move from the finance ministry to the central bank in July 2020, during Costa's second term as the prime minister.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer.

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer." According to a report by Euronews on Sunday (Nov 12), a lawyer for one of the defendants in the corruption scandal case revealed the error was detected during questioning and said the prosecutors recognised their mistake. The report said that neither the Attorney General's Office nor the Supreme Court commented on the matter. Antonio Costa, who became Portugal's Prime Minister in 2015, stepped down from the top post on Nov 7 following an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country. Costa, who has denied any wrongdoing, announced his resignation after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said his conscience was clear, but he would not stand as a candidate for premiership again. Costa also said that he was willing to cooperate with the justice system after prosecutors said he was also the target of the investigation. Prosecutors detained five people, including Costa's chief of staff, named two formal suspects close to the sacked prime minister. President Rebelo de Sousa has called for a snap parliamentary election in Portugal in March next year. However, Sousa said he would only disband parliament after the final vote on the 2024 budget bill, due on Nov 29, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The president also denied Costa's plan to invite central bank (the Bank of Portugal) governor Mario Centeno to replace him as premier. Centeno faced criticism from opposition parties over his political independence and potential conflict of interest. The central bank is expected to meet later on Monday to evaluate his conduct, Reuters reported. Opposition parties had previously questioned Centeno's move from the finance ministry to the central bank in July 2020, during Costa's second term as the prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal corruption scandal: Prosecutors confused names in wiretaps transcript, says report

Portuguese PM António Costa resigns amid corruption inquiry. Police search socialist prime minister’s official residence in investigation into alleged corruption.

Gravitas: Portuguese PM Resigns over lithium deal probe

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday (Nov 7) amidst a probe that was launched into plausible peculiarities perpetrated by his majority Socialist administration in managing lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

He announced his decision in a televised address after a meeting with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.&nbsp;

"The duties of prime minister are not compatible with any suspicion of my integrity," Costa told a press conference.

"In these circumstances, I have presented my resignation to the president of the Republic," he added. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-military-chief-advisor-killed-on-birthday-after-grenade-among-gifts-explodes-656222">Ukraine military official killed as grenade among birthday gifts explodes</a>

The investigation involving Costa and others alleged "misuse of funds, active and passive corruption by political figures, and influence peddling," according to a statement from public prosecutors. &nbsp;

Portugal's head of state Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accepted Costa's resignation further calling for a meeting of parliamentary parties on Wednesday (Nov 8) in a bid to organise an early election, said a statement from the Portuguese presidency as per news agency AFP reports.

"The President of the Republic will address the nation immediately after the meeting of the Council of State," the statement added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensitive-data-of-us-military-personnel-being-sold-online-for-a-pennies-report-656096">Sensitive data of US military personnel being sold online for pennies: Report</a>

Earlier on Tuesday (Nov 7), Portuguese media had said that the probe was underway during which the investigators had scoured offices as well as the official residence of Costa.

Later on, the public prosecutors said that they had indicted Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba and issued an arrest warrant for Costa's chief of staff. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday (Nov 7) amidst a probe that was launched into plausible peculiarities perpetrated by his majority Socialist administration in managing lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday (Nov 7) amidst a probe that was launched into plausible peculiarities perpetrated by his majority Socialist administration in managing lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country. He announced his decision in a televised address after a meeting with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. "The duties of prime minister are not compatible with any suspicion of my integrity," Costa told a press conference. "In these circumstances, I have presented my resignation to the president of the Republic," he added. Also read: Ukraine military official killed as grenade among birthday gifts explodes The investigation involving Costa and others alleged "misuse of funds, active and passive corruption by political figures, and influence peddling," according to a statement from public prosecutors. Portugal's head of state Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accepted Costa's resignation further calling for a meeting of parliamentary parties on Wednesday (Nov 8) in a bid to organise an early election, said a statement from the Portuguese presidency as per news agency AFP reports. "The President of the Republic will address the nation immediately after the meeting of the Council of State," the statement added. Also read: Sensitive data of US military personnel being sold online for pennies: Report Earlier on Tuesday (Nov 7), Portuguese media had said that the probe was underway during which the investigators had scoured offices as well as the official residence of Costa. Later on, the public prosecutors said that they had indicted Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba and issued an arrest warrant for Costa's chief of staff. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns over corruption probe

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned on Tuesday (Nov 7) over his involvement in a corruption scandal. Costa's resignation was accepted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.&nbsp;

Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, a close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army, was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded. According to the government, Chastiakov was showing his gift to his son when the explosion took place.

In other news, the Indian Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers is applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-head-of-state-accepts-prime-minister-antonio-costas-resignation-656244">Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns over corruption probe</a>

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Portugal's head of state Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday (Nov 7) said that he accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Antonio Costa was accused of his involvement in a corruption scandal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-military-chief-advisor-killed-on-birthday-after-grenade-among-gifts-explodes-656222">Ukraine military chief's advisor killed on birthday after grenade among gifts explodes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/07/391777-face.png?imwidth=1920" />

A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded.&nbsp;Initially, the incident was termed as an assassination until further details revealed that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, 39, had received a box of grenades as a gift.

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas.

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A video of a former IDF soldier was shared on social media in which he was seen supporting the Palestinians amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;In the video, the former IDF soldier – identified as Leif Manson – was seen carrying a Palestinian flag and expressing his disappointment with Israel.

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The Colombian government is planning to recover the ‘Holy Grail of shipwrecks’, along with its treasures which are estimated to be worth around $20 billion, from the bottom of the ocean.&nbsp;The government said that the ship “San Jose” was sunk in 1708 by the British navy off the port of Cartagena and added that the shipwreck, filled with treasures, would be recovered as soon as possible.

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The Indian government has issued an advisory to social media firms including X, Instagram and Facebook calling all these giants to remove morphed images within 24 hours, said an official source on Tuesday (Nov 7).

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Highly sensitive information of the US military personnel, including their families, and veterans, is being sold online in pennies and dimes per person, a new study from Duke University has found.&nbsp;The data includes the personnel's health status, details of their family members, their home address, and work location.&nbsp;

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Resistance groups in Myanmar who have been fighting the military junta for nearly two weeks, seized a district capital in the north on Monday (Nov 6) after taking state offices and a police station, the news agency Associated Press reported citing local media.

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Afghanistan opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has thanked legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the century he scored against Australia at the World Cup. Zadran carried his bat through and scored a 143-ball 129-run innings, laced with eight boundaries and three maximums in front of a noisy Wankhede crowd.&nbsp;

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Luxury fashion house Dior is getting brutally trolled online and the hashtag "Boycott Dior" is trending on social media platform X, which was formerly called Twitter. Wondering what sparked the outrage? Well, if reports are anything to go by, the fashion house has replaced Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid with Israeli model May Tager in their latest ad campaign.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned on Tuesday (Nov 7) over his involvement in a corruption scandal. Costa's resignation was accepted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned on Tuesday (Nov 7) over his involvement in a corruption scandal. Costa's resignation was accepted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, a close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army, was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded. According to the government, Chastiakov was showing his gift to his son when the explosion took place. In other news, the Indian Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers is applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas. Click on the headlines to read more: Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns over corruption probe Portugal's head of state Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday (Nov 7) said that he accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Antonio Costa was accused of his involvement in a corruption scandal. Ukraine military chief's advisor killed on birthday after grenade among gifts explodes A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army was killed on his birthday after a grenade that was placed amongst his birthday gifts exploded. Initially, the incident was termed as an assassination until further details revealed that Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, 39, had received a box of grenades as a gift. Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court The Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 7) reiterated that its earlier order banning the use of barium and prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are applicable across the country, and not just to Delhi and its adjoining areas. This ex-Israeli soldier joined a pro-Palestinian rally but why? Here's what he said A video of a former IDF soldier was shared on social media in which he was seen supporting the Palestinians amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war. In the video, the former IDF soldier – identified as Leif Manson – was seen carrying a Palestinian flag and expressing his disappointment with Israel. ‘Holy Grail of Shipwrecks’, holding treasures worth $20bn, to be recovered from Colombia's sea The Colombian government is planning to recover the ‘Holy Grail of shipwrecks’, along with its treasures which are estimated to be worth around $20 billion, from the bottom of the ocean. The government said that the ship “San Jose” was sunk in 1708 by the British navy off the port of Cartagena and added that the shipwreck, filled with treasures, would be recovered as soon as possible. Indian government issues advisory to social media firms after Rashmika Mandanna's deep fake video goes viral The Indian government has issued an advisory to social media firms including X, Instagram and Facebook calling all these giants to remove morphed images within 24 hours, said an official source on Tuesday (Nov 7). Sensitive data of US military personnel being sold online for pennies: Report Highly sensitive information of the US military personnel, including their families, and veterans, is being sold online in pennies and dimes per person, a new study from Duke University has found. The data includes the personnel's health status, details of their family members, their home address, and work location. Myanmar: Resistance groups claim first capture of district capital from junta Resistance groups in Myanmar who have been fighting the military junta for nearly two weeks, seized a district capital in the north on Monday (Nov 6) after taking state offices and a police station, the news agency Associated Press reported citing local media. World Cup 2023: 'Will bat like Tendulkar', Ibrahim Zadran credits Indian legend for century against Australia Afghanistan opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has thanked legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the century he scored against Australia at the World Cup. Zadran carried his bat through and scored a 143-ball 129-run innings, laced with eight boundaries and three maximums in front of a noisy Wankhede crowd. Dior reportedly replaces Bella Hadid with Israeli model in campaign; faces backlash online Luxury fashion house Dior is getting brutally trolled online and the hashtag "Boycott Dior" is trending on social media platform X, which was formerly called Twitter. Wondering what sparked the outrage? Well, if reports are anything to go by, the fashion house has replaced Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid with Israeli model May Tager in their latest ad campaign.

Top 10 world news: Portuguese PM Costa resigns over corruption probe, & more

Portugal gears up for the Pope's arrival at World Youth Day

Parties and leaders contesting in Portugal's snap election

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority.

A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament,&nbsp;following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female.&nbsp;

Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil.

Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years.

After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister.&nbsp;

She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday.

The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament.

The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party.

Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past.

Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019.

Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament.

Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal.

"This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

&nbsp;

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality.

Members of Portugal's new parliament took up office on Friday, among them the country's first black women lawmakers who campaigned on promises to fight racism and inequality. The three women, who all trace their origins to Guinea-Bissau, an impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa, won office in the October 6 general election when Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists were re-elected but without an absolute majority. A total of 89 women were elected, an unprecedented number in the 230-seat parliament, following a new gender parity law requiring that 40 per cent of elected lawmakers are female. Portugal has a significant minority population from its former African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Cape Verde as well as Brazil. Campaigners complain of discrimination in areas ranging from education to housing, employment to the justice system and of a shortage of black faces in business, the media and politics, although progress has been made in recent years. After taking office in 2015, Costa, who is of Indian descent, nominated Portugal's first black cabinet minister, appointing Francisca Van Dunem, who was born in Angola, as justice minister. She is keeping the post in Costa's new cabinet which will be sworn in on Saturday. The best known of the newcomers is Joacine Katar Moreira, 37, an anti-racism activist who moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau when she was just eight and headed a list of upstart eco-socialist party LIVRE, or "FREE", winning the new formation's first and only seat in parliament. The others are Romualda Fernandes, a 65-year-old lawyer and migration expert who won a seat representing the Socialists and Beatriz Gomes Dias, 48, the president of anti-racism association Djass, who ran with the far-left Left Bloc party. Djass has proposed a memorial honouring the millions of African slaves which Portuguese ships transported to the Americas. The project has become a lightning rod for debate about the country's colonial past. Up until now the only black person to serve as a member of parliament since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974 was a man, Helder Amaral who represented the conservative CDS party between 2002 and 2019. Moreira, who became a Portuguese national in 2003, vowed during her victory speech to become the voice of "anti-racism" and "leftwing radical feminism" in parliament. Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that she not be allowed to take up her seat because, at her victory celebration, several people were seen waving flags from Guinea-Bissau instead of Portugal. "This has always been a war for people like me," Moreira tweeted in response to the petition.

Portugal's first black women lawmakers take office

Portugal's incumbent Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists won a general election marked by low turnout on Sunday after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity.

The Socialist Party (PS) took 36.65 per cent of the vote, followed by the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD) with 27.9 per cent, according to near-total results from the interior ministry.

That left the PS, which has governed for the past four years with the support of two smaller hard-left parties, with 106 seats in the 230-seat parliament, up from 86 seats in the outgoing assembly and just ten seats short of an outright majority. Four seats still must be attributed according to the results of votes cast abroad.

The election bucks the trend of declining centre-left fortunes and the rise of far-right populist forces seen elsewhere in Europe.

A new far-right formation, Chega! or "That's Enough!" entered parliament for the first time but it won a single seat.

Turnout was just 54.5 per cent, the lowest level for a general election since Portugal returned to democracy after a decades-long right-wing dictatorship was toppled in 1974.

The question now is who Costa, 58, a former Lisbon mayor, will pick as his allies.

After the last general election in 2015 in which the PS finished second, Costa convinced the Communists and the Left Bloc to support a minority Socialist government, an unprecedented alliance that foes nicknamed the "geringonca", or odd contraption.

'Stability is essential'

During his victory speech Costa said he wanted to "renew this experience" of an alliance with the hard-left.

"The election shows that the Portuguese like the 'geringonca', they like this political solution," he said as supporters chanted "Victory!".

"Stability is essential for Portugal's international credibility and for attracting investors. The PS will strive to find solutions that ensure this stability for the entire legislature."

Both the Left Bloc, which won 19 seats just as in the last election, and the Communists, which won 12 seats, five fewer than in the last polls, said they were willing to once again back the Socialists.

A strengthened PS has more alternatives to get laws approved in parliament, political analyst Pedro Norton told public television RTP.

"This is an incentive for it to govern alone, by searching for ad hoc agreements" to govern instead of forming a formal agreement, he added.

The election gave Costa another potential governing partner as the upstart People-Animals-Nature party (PAN) which has backed his budgets in the past won four seats, up from just one.

'Live more comfortably'

After coming to power in 2015, Costa undid some of the unpopular austerity measures introduced by the previous PSD-led government in return for a 78-billion-euro ($85 billion) international bailout that kept finances afloat after Portugal was clobbered by the eurozone debt crisis.

Taking advantage of the global economic recovery, he reversed cuts to public sector wages and pensions while still managing to bring the budget deficit down to nearly zero this year -- the lowest level since Portugal's return to democracy in 1974.

On his watch Portugal's economic growth was higher than the European Union average in recent years -- 2.4 per cent in 2018 -- while the jobless rate fell to 6.4 per cent, the level before the debt crisis, but critics complain of low salaries, job insecurity and soaring property prices amid a tourism boom.

Retired municipal worker Antonio Tavares, 76, said he voted for the Socialists because the government raised pensions by 50-100 euros ($55-110) per month.

"It's not a lot, it should be more, but that allows one to live more comfortably," he said after casting his ballot in Lisbon.

The PS had enjoyed a double-digit lead over the PSD for many months but the gap between Portugal's two main parties shrunk in the final stretch of the campaign, especially after a scandal concerning former defence minister Jose Azeredo Lopes resurged.

Lopes was charged last week with abuse of power and denial of justice over his role in the alleged cover-up of an arms theft from a military depot in June 2017.

Portugal's incumbent Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists won a general election marked by low turnout on Sunday after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity.

Portugal's incumbent Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists won a general election marked by low turnout on Sunday after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity. The Socialist Party (PS) took 36.65 per cent of the vote, followed by the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD) with 27.9 per cent, according to near-total results from the interior ministry. That left the PS, which has governed for the past four years with the support of two smaller hard-left parties, with 106 seats in the 230-seat parliament, up from 86 seats in the outgoing assembly and just ten seats short of an outright majority. Four seats still must be attributed according to the results of votes cast abroad. The election bucks the trend of declining centre-left fortunes and the rise of far-right populist forces seen elsewhere in Europe. A new far-right formation, Chega! or "That's Enough!" entered parliament for the first time but it won a single seat. Turnout was just 54.5 per cent, the lowest level for a general election since Portugal returned to democracy after a decades-long right-wing dictatorship was toppled in 1974. The question now is who Costa, 58, a former Lisbon mayor, will pick as his allies. After the last general election in 2015 in which the PS finished second, Costa convinced the Communists and the Left Bloc to support a minority Socialist government, an unprecedented alliance that foes nicknamed the "geringonca", or odd contraption. 'Stability is essential' During his victory speech Costa said he wanted to "renew this experience" of an alliance with the hard-left. "The election shows that the Portuguese like the 'geringonca', they like this political solution," he said as supporters chanted "Victory!". "Stability is essential for Portugal's international credibility and for attracting investors. The PS will strive to find solutions that ensure this stability for the entire legislature." Both the Left Bloc, which won 19 seats just as in the last election, and the Communists, which won 12 seats, five fewer than in the last polls, said they were willing to once again back the Socialists. A strengthened PS has more alternatives to get laws approved in parliament, political analyst Pedro Norton told public television RTP. "This is an incentive for it to govern alone, by searching for ad hoc agreements" to govern instead of forming a formal agreement, he added. The election gave Costa another potential governing partner as the upstart People-Animals-Nature party (PAN) which has backed his budgets in the past won four seats, up from just one. 'Live more comfortably' After coming to power in 2015, Costa undid some of the unpopular austerity measures introduced by the previous PSD-led government in return for a 78-billion-euro ($85 billion) international bailout that kept finances afloat after Portugal was clobbered by the eurozone debt crisis. Taking advantage of the global economic recovery, he reversed cuts to public sector wages and pensions while still managing to bring the budget deficit down to nearly zero this year -- the lowest level since Portugal's return to democracy in 1974. On his watch Portugal's economic growth was higher than the European Union average in recent years -- 2.4 per cent in 2018 -- while the jobless rate fell to 6.4 per cent, the level before the debt crisis, but critics complain of low salaries, job insecurity and soaring property prices amid a tourism boom. Retired municipal worker Antonio Tavares, 76, said he voted for the Socialists because the government raised pensions by 50-100 euros ($55-110) per month. "It's not a lot, it should be more, but that allows one to live more comfortably," he said after casting his ballot in Lisbon. The PS had enjoyed a double-digit lead over the PSD for many months but the gap between Portugal's two main parties shrunk in the final stretch of the campaign, especially after a scandal concerning former defence minister Jose Azeredo Lopes resurged. Lopes was charged last week with abuse of power and denial of justice over his role in the alleged cover-up of an arms theft from a military depot in June 2017.

Portugal's Socialists win re-election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal.

"Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/psocialista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@psocialista</a> and my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/antoniocostapm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antoniocostapm</a> for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. <a href="https://t.co/ELtP5ZayyX">pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1181163860872462337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. 
 
Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Antonio Costa on being re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. "Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Congratulations to @psocialista and my friend, @antoniocostapm for the good performance in the parliamentary elections in Portugal. Looking forward to continuing working together to further enhance India-Portugal friendship. pic.twitter.com/ELtP5ZayyX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2019 × Indian-origin Antonio Costa's Socialist Party won 106 seats in the recently held general elections. Gaining twenty more seats from 2015, the party commanded a vote share of 35.88 per cent.

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Portugal's Antonio Costa over his re-election

Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington&nbsp;earlier today on the second leg of his three-nation tour for his first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Soon after his arrival, he met people from the Indian community at the Joint Base Andrews in Washington&nbsp;DC.

Earlier, Modi met his Portuguese&nbsp;counterpart&nbsp;Antonio Costa and&nbsp;signed new agreements in taxation, science, youth affairs and sport.

The Portuguese Prime Minister deviated from protocol and went to the airport to see the Indian Prime Minister off.

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Concluding a historic visit to Portugal. Deviating from Protocol, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/antoniocostapm">@antoniocostapm</a> see off PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> , a warm goodbye <a href="https://t.co/BwH9vTp2H5">pic.twitter.com/BwH9vTp2H5</a>
&mdash; Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/878670763246538752">June 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Modi is scheduled to meet&nbsp;Trump on Monday at the White House.&nbsp;

The US President, Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that he is looking forward to welcoming&nbsp;the Indian Prime Minister to White House and there are important strategic issues that have to be discussed with Modi whom he called a &quot;true friend&quot;.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Look forward to welcoming India&#39;s PM Modi to <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a> on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!
&mdash; President Trump (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/878695978601254913">June 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The visit has already gained strategic depth with the US approving the sale of 22 Predator Guardian drones to India, a deal worth close to $2 billion.

The two leaders are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two countries further.

Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward-looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership.

&quot;My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations &amp; the world,&quot; he tweeted.

Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting.

The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US.

US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday.&nbsp;

About his US visit, Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington earlier today on the second leg of his three-nation tour for his first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. Soon after his arrival, he met people from the Indian community at the Joint Base Andrews in Washington DC. Earlier, Modi met his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa and signed new agreements in taxation, science, youth affairs and sport. The Portuguese Prime Minister deviated from protocol and went to the airport to see the Indian Prime Minister off. Concluding a historic visit to Portugal. Deviating from Protocol, PM @antoniocostapm see off PM @narendramodi , a warm goodbye pic.twitter.com/BwH9vTp2H5 — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2017 × Modi is scheduled to meet Trump on Monday at the White House. The US President, Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that he is looking forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister to White House and there are important strategic issues that have to be discussed with Modi whom he called a "true friend". Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend! — President Trump (@POTUS) June 24, 2017 × The visit has already gained strategic depth with the US approving the sale of 22 Predator Guardian drones to India, a deal worth close to $2 billion. The two leaders are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two countries further. Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward-looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership. "My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world," he tweeted. Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting. The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US. US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday.

PM Narendra Modi arrives in Washington ahead of meeting with Trump

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