New Delhi, Dec. 31: The treaty signed by India and Portugal to-day has, in the words of the two Foreign Ministers who put their signatures to this historic document, buried two decades of confrontation and established the basis for friendly co-operation between them.
The first article of the treaty says, “Portugal acknowledges that the territories of Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have already become parts of India, and hereby recognises the full sovereignty of India with effect from the dates when they became parts of India under the Constitution of India.”
An official announcement was made simultaneously about the resumption of diplomatic relations at the Embassy level between the two countries with effect from 16-00 hours IST to-day. The two countries decided to dispense with the formality of waiting for the ratification of the treaty for beginning this new and happier chapter in their relations.
The two countries have further agreed under this treaty to settle through bilateral negotiations all outstanding questions concerning property, assets or claims of their respective citizens, and matters relating to the property and assets of either side in the territories of the other State.
The treaty provides for a similar settlement of the rights and claims of Indian citizens and other persons who returned to India from territories under Portuguese administration in regard to the properties and assets left behind by them.
Published – January 01, 2025 12:15 am IST
