Murmu in Lisbon Marks India Portugal 50-Year Diplomatic Milestone

Lisbon, April 7: Emphasising the strength of bilateral ties and shared global values, Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Monday said India remains a vital partner in building a multilateral and open-minded world.

Key Points

First Indian Presidential visit to Portugal in 27 years

Bilateral ties span high-tech, renewables, and defence cooperation

Marks 50 years of diplomatic relations

Emphasizes shared multilateral values

Speaking alongside President Droupadi Murmu in Lisbon, de Sousa welcomed her visit as a reaffirmation of long-standing friendship and cooperation across sectors including high tech, renewables, culture, and defence.

"The Indian community in Portugal is strong and powerful; 50,000 people, young students come from India to Portugal and study here. Our cooperation in high tech; renewables, culture and defence. A multilateral, open-minded world with free trade, without the temptation of breaking or violating international law or the charter of the United Nations," he stated during their joint address.

"India is the greatest democracy in the world and a powerful economy, and shares values and principles. That's why, your excellence, Madam President Droupadi Murmu, a dear friend of Portugal, it's an honour having you here in our country and to work together for a long-lasting friendship and partnership. It's more than 50 years of diplomatic relations. It's a whole future, thinking of our people and thinking of the world."

Earlier in the day, President Murmu was formally received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the historic 'Praca do Imperio' in Lisbon. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome that included a Guard of Honour.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan shared the moment on social media, stating, "President Droupadi Murmu was received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal at the historic 'Praca do Imperio' in Lisbon. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome with the Guard of Honour."

Murmu's visit comes at the invitation of the Portuguese President and marks a significant diplomatic milestone--it is the first state visit to Portugal by an Indian President in 27 years. The last such visit was undertaken by President K R Narayanan in 1998.

President Murmu will continue her diplomatic outreach with a visit to Slovakia from April 9-10 at the invitation of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. It will be the first such visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly three decades.

This visit also marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal, which both sides view as a foundation for deepening future cooperation.

Reader Comments

Rahul K.

This is such a proud moment for India-Portugal relations! The cultural and educational exchanges mentioned are particularly heartwarming. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇹

Priya M.

While I appreciate the diplomatic gestures, I wish there was more concrete discussion about how this partnership will benefit ordinary citizens in both countries beyond just ceremonial visits.

Anil D.

The focus on renewable energy cooperation is exciting! Portugal has made great strides in this area and India could really benefit from their expertise.

Maria S.

As someone from Goa, I find this visit particularly meaningful given our shared history. Hope this leads to more cultural exchanges!

Sanjay P.

The 50,000 Indian students studying in Portugal is news to me! Would love to see more coverage about their experiences and how this educational bridge benefits both nations.

Inês L.

Portugal and India have so much to offer each other. The defense cooperation mentioned is particularly interesting - two democracies working together for global stability.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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India Portugal Droupadi Murmu Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Diplomatic Relations State Visit