Portugal's President says India's role crucial for multilateralism, global trade

ANI April 8, 2025 299 views

President Droupadi Murmu's landmark visit to Portugal marks a significant diplomatic milestone after 27 years. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa praised India's global leadership and multilateral commitment during their joint statement. The visit coincides with 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. De Sousa explicitly supported India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, emphasizing India's critical role in global governance.

"The role of India is crucial. It's the largest democracy." - Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
Lisbon, April 7: During a joint statement with President Droupadi Murmu, Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa underscored the importance of India's global role at a time when multilateral values are being tested by those who once championed them.

Key Points

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First Indian presidential visit to Portugal in 27 years

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De Sousa champions India's multilateral leadership

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Portugal supports India's UN Security Council permanent seat claim

"This visit takes place in a challenging international moment. Multilateralism and the international system based on rules and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the belief in the increase of common prosperity through free trade and the need for fighting climate change, all these principles are undergoing a crisis because they are being put into question by some of those who had been the builders of those principles and values," de Sousa said.

"Our common effort is important to reaffirm international law, multilateralism and the chart of the United Nations, the free and fair trade, to ensure growth and avoid the risk of a recession. The role of India is crucial. It's the largest democracy. It's a huge economic power with an important role and a multilateral system, as the recent presidency of the G20 has shown," he added.

He also voiced Portugal's backing for India's claim to a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

"Portugal has always advocated that India should be in the reform of the UN Security Council, India should be a permanent member."

Earlier on Monday, President Droupadi Murmu was formally welcomed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the historic 'Praca do Imperio' in Lisbon. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded.

In a post on X, Rashtrapati Bhavan through its official handle stated, "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."

President Murmu is visiting Portugal at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The visit is the first by an Indian President in 27 years, the last being by President KR Narayanan in 1998.

From April 9-10, President Murmu will visit Slovakia at the invitation of President Peter Pellegrini. It will be the first Indian presidential visit to Slovakia in 29 years.

Secretary Lal described the visit as historic, noting that it marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal and will "take forward the friendship and partnership."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is such an important recognition of India's growing global influence! 🇮🇳 Portugal's support for our UNSC seat is particularly meaningful coming from a European nation. The world needs strong democracies to work together now more than ever.
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Sophia M.
While I appreciate the diplomatic gestures, I wonder if these statements will translate into concrete action. India has been waiting for UNSC reform for decades. Still, it's good to see our presidency of G20 being recognized internationally.
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Amit P.
Portugal and India share such deep historical ties. It's heartening to see this relationship evolving into a modern partnership based on shared values. The ceremonial welcome at Praca do Imperio must have been spectacular!
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Priya D.
First presidential visit in 27 years! That's longer than I've been alive. Shows how special this relationship is. Hope this leads to more cultural exchanges - would love to see more Portuguese language courses in India and Indian festivals in Portugal!
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Miguel T.
As a Portuguese citizen, I fully support our President's stance. India's voice is crucial in today's fractured world. Their balanced approach to global issues is exactly what we need more of. Plus, the economic opportunities are enormous for both nations.
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Neha R.
While the diplomatic achievements are impressive, I hope our leaders also discuss concrete climate action plans. Both our countries face serious climate challenges - coastal erosion in Portugal and extreme weather in India. Multilateralism should mean joint environmental solutions too.

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

Tags:
India-Portugal Diplomacy Droupadi Murmu Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Diplomatic Relations UN Security Council Multilateralism
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