President Droupadi Murmu on a 2 nation Europe tour with historic visit to Portugal

New Delhi, Apr 7: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Lisbon on April 7, marking the start of her two-nation state visit to Portugal and Slovakia. Her visit to Portugal, taking place at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, marks a significant diplomatic milestone, coming 27 years after the last state visit by an Indian President. President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the iconic Praça do Império, one of Lisbon’s most historic public squares. She was greeted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and honored with a Guard of Honour, reflecting the warmth and importance both nations attach to their bilateral relationship.

The two leaders later held formal talks at the Belém Palace, the official residence of the Portuguese President. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, including trade and commerce, tourism, culture, and people-to-people ties. They also explored collaboration in emerging sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, green hydrogen, startups, innovation, and skilled mobility, underscoring the forward-looking nature of the partnership.

A message on X from the President’s office said, “President Droupadi Murmu held extensive discussions with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal. The two leaders discussed various aspects of India-Portugal relations, as well as global and regional issues of shared interest. Both leaders agreed that the bilateral relationship is based on mutual trust, understanding and cooperation on important issues, including at the multilateral level. They agreed to further strengthen the long-standing ties in several areas including trade and investment, IT, renewable energy and connectivity.”

Celebrating 50 years of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal, both Presidents jointly released a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp features the traditional Indian Kalbelia dance costume alongside Portugal’s Viana traditional dress, symbolising the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of both nations. During her visit, President Murmu paid floral tributes at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camões, Portugal’s most revered poet, at the Church of Santa Maria. She later visited the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of 16th-century Gothic architecture, further highlighting the cultural dimension of her tour. The President’s visit to Portugal reinforces the long-standing and multifaceted ties between the two countries, which have matured into a dynamic partnership marked by mutual respect and cooperation across strategic sectors.

Following her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu will travel to the Slovak Republic from April 9 to 10 at the invitation of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. This will be the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in 29 years and is expected to open new avenues for cooperation. While in Slovakia, President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Raši. The visit is expected to deepen ties in key areas and reaffirm India’s commitment to enhancing its relations with its Central European partners. In both Portugal and Slovakia, President Murmu is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora, further strengthening the bonds between India and its global community.