India, Portugal sign seven key agreements; Cristiano Ronaldo Jersey for PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi : Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Saturday gifted his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi a personally signed red jersey of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo - bearing his trademark number '7'- in New Delhi.

"We are aware, Excellency, that you are an avid soccer fan. Portugal's strength in football and the rapid development of this sport in India could well form the nucleus of an emerging partnership in sporting disciplines," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, hailing Portugal's status as a global football giant.

The jersey gift came on the side-lines of bilateral talks, where India and Portugal signed seven key agreements in the areas of defence and security, information technology and energy among others.

"We are also grateful for the support extended by Portugal to India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime, and for its continued support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group," Mr Modi added.

Antonia Costa, who is of Indian-origin, is on a seven-day visit to India. He is also expected to visit his ancestral home in Goa.

(with inputs from Agencies)