Portugal: President Droupadi Murmu Arrives in Lisbon — First Indian Presidential Visit in 27 Years; Slovakia Visit to Follow
Summary:
President Droupadi Murmu is on a state visit to Portugal and Slovakia — marking the first visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years, and to Slovakia in 29 years. Her visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
Details:
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on Sunday night (local time), beginning her four-day state visit from April 7 to 10. She is visiting at the invitation of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This marks the first visit by an Indian President to Portugal since 1998, when then-President K.R. Narayanan last visited the country.
Indian President to Visit Slovakia After Nearly Three Decades
Following her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu will travel to Slovakia from April 9 to 10. This visit is being held at the invitation of Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini, and is the first such visit by an Indian President in 29 years.
MEA Highlights Importance of the Visit
Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“President Droupadi Murmu departs on a state visit to Portugal and the Slovak Republic — the first such visit by an Indian President to these nations in over 25 years.”
Celebrating 50 Years of India-Portugal Relations
Tanmay Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the significance of the visit, calling it a historic moment in India’s ties with Europe.
He noted, “This visit will enhance India’s multifaceted cooperation with both Portugal and Slovakia. It is especially meaningful as India and Portugal celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.”
He added, “This is a symbolic and historic visit, coming 27 years after the last presidential visit to Portugal. The frequent high-level exchanges in recent years reflect the deepening and dynamic relationship between the two countries.”
