India–Portugal: 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations Celebrated Through Commemorative Stamps

India and Portugal share warm and friendly bilateral relations, rooted in over 500 years of historical, maritime, and cultural connections. The relationship traces back to May 1498, when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode, Kerala), becoming the first to establish a direct sea route between Europe and South Asia. This historic voyage gave Portugal direct access to India’s spice markets and paved the way for its emergence as a powerful colonial trading nation.

The Portuguese colonial era in India began in 1502 with their first trading centre in Quilon (present-day Kollam, Kerala). Over time, they expanded control across the western coast, including Diu, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Goa in 1510. Goa eventually became the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the Orient, stretching from Malacca in the east to Mozambique in the west.

India–Portugal Ties After Independence

Following India’s independence in 1947, bilateral ties were formally established in 1949. A turning point came after Portugal’s Carnation Revolution in April 1974, which ended the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and restored democracy. On 31 December 1974, India and Portugal signed a treaty recognizing Indian sovereignty over Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which came into effect on 3 June 1975.

From the 1990s, relations gained momentum, evolving into close cooperation in culture, trade, and innovation. A historic milestone came when António Costa, the first Indian-origin Head of Government in the Western world, assumed office as Prime Minister of Portugal in 2015. High-level visits, including reciprocal trips by PM Costa and PM Narendra Modi in 2017, as well as later exchanges, deepened ties further.

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the revival of diplomatic relations, an occasion celebrated through a special set of commemorative stamps that showcase traditional attire from both countries.

Viana do Castelo Costume of Portugal

Equally stunning is the Viana do Castelo traditional costume, one of Portugal’s most iconic attires. The holiday ladies’ outfit, worn during the Lady of Agony festivals and other major celebrations, is a symbol of elegance, wealth, and heritage.

This attire features a velvet or wool skirt, a vest embroidered with intricate designs, and a finely embroidered linen shirt. What sets it apart are the gold ornaments adorning the neck, chest, and hands of young girls, creating a dazzling display of craftsmanship and tradition. These gold pieces are often cherished family heirlooms, passed down from mother to daughter across generations.

The Viana costume thus not only represents regional pride but also the endurance of Portugal’s cultural identity, kept alive by its young women, who remain the guardians of this legacy.

Stamps as Symbols of Friendship

By featuring such iconic attire, these India–Portugal commemorative stamps highlight not just fashion, but the shared cultural richness of both nations. Each stamp becomes a miniature canvas of history and heritage, underscoring how art can bridge continents and generations.