India and Portugal have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, following discussions between Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This significant engagement occurred during President Murmu’s two-day State Visit to Portugal, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state in 27 years.
During their meeting at Palácio de Belém, the official residence of the Portuguese President, the two leaders engaged in one-on-one discussions, followed by delegation-level talks covering various aspects of their bilateral relationship. A joint statement issued after the meeting highlighted the leaders’ commitment to strengthening ties in trade, investment, technology, and mobility.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
This visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of re-establishing of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal. The last State Visit occurred in 1998, when President K. R. Narayanan travelled to Portugal. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa warmly welcomed President Murmu, acknowledging India as a crucial partner in fostering a multilateral and open-minded world. Speaking during a joint address, he praised the Indian community in Portugal, which comprises around 50,000 individuals, including a growing number of students pursuing higher education in the country.
“Our cooperation extends to high-tech sectors, renewable energy, culture, and defense. We are working together for a multilateral, open-minded world with free trade, respecting international law and the United Nations charter,” President de Sousa remarked.
President Murmu’s Engagements in Portugal
President Murmu’s visit to Lisbon commenced with a ceremonial welcome at ‘Praca do Imperio,’ where she was accorded a Guard of Honour. She then visited key historical sites, including the Church of Santa Maria, where she laid a wreath at the tomb of Portugal’s national poet, Luis Vaz de Camões. She also toured the Monastery of Jerónimos, a notable example of 16th-century Portuguese architecture. A notable highlight of the visit was the joint launch of commemorative postage stamps celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal. The stamps showcase the cultural heritage of both nations, featuring Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya costume alongside Portugal’s traditional Viana do Castelo dress.
Discussions on Bilateral and Global Issues
President Murmu engaged in extensive discussions with her Portuguese counterpart, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, renewable energy, science and technology, digital innovation, and connectivity. The leaders acknowledged the strong historical foundation of India-Portugal relations and their evolution into a modern, multifaceted partnership. Apart from meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President Murmu held discussions with Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, and the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. These engagements underscored the mutual desire to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations. As part of her visit, President Murmu also addressed the Portuguese Parliament, where she was welcomed by Assembly President Aguiar-Branco. During this visit, she signed the official book of honour and held a meeting with key Portuguese legislators, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to deepening ties.
Honours and Conclusion of the Visit
Recognizing her visit’s importance, President Murmu was conferred the prestigious ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon in a ceremony at City Hall. She also attended a banquet hosted in her honour by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palácio da Ajuda, where she emphasized the potential for India and Portugal to strengthen their partnership across diverse fields. The visit has set a strong foundation for future collaborations between India and Portugal, reinforcing their long-standing ties and paving the way for enhanced economic, technological, and cultural cooperation.
President Murmu Arrives in Slovakia for High-Level Talks
Following her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu departed for Slovakia, marking another milestone in diplomatic relations. She will be the first Indian President to visit Slovakia in 29 years, continuing her efforts to bolster India’s global partnerships, marking the second leg of her two-nation state visit.
During her two-day stay, President Murmu is set to hold high-level talks with Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and National Council Speaker Richard Rasi. Her visit comes at a time of renewed momentum in India’s diplomatic outreach to Europe, with a special emphasis on strengthening ties with the European Union and its member states. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted Slovakia’s historical links with India, particularly in areas such as Sanskrit studies and cultural exchange. Slovakia played a notable role in aiding India’s evacuation of students from Ukraine in 2022. India also maintains strong industrial and defense connections with Slovakia, with growing investment from Indian companies in sectors such as IT, engineering, and automobiles.
A key highlight of President Murmu’s visit will be a trip to the Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover plant in Nitra. Inaugurated in 2018, the facility represents a €1.4 billion investment and is capable of producing up to 150,000 vehicles annually. This visit underscores India’s growing economic engagement with Slovakia and the broader European market.
Her European tour signifies India’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations with key European nations while enhancing economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation. President Murmu’s visit to Slovakia is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors, reinforcing India’s diplomatic and trade ties with the region.
