Lisbon, April 9: President Droupadi Murmu concluded her two-day State visit to Portugal on Tuesday, marking a significant step in bolstering India-Portugal relations through high-level diplomatic engagements and cultural outreach.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During her visit, President Murmu engaged with Portugal's top leadership, including Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. The interactions were part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations—a partnership rooted in historical and cultural ties.“This State Visit has reinforced the strong partnership between India and Portugal, built on historical ties, cultural affinities, and diaspora linkages,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, during a media briefing.
Highlighting Strategic and Diaspora Ties
Lal emphasized that the India-Portugal relationship plays a crucial role in the broader India-EU strategic partnership, particularly with Lusophone nations, where India holds Associate Member status in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).President Murmu’s itinerary included a visit to the Radha Krishna temple in Lisbon, where she met with members of the Comunidade Hindu, Portugal. The community, which primarily comprises individuals of Indian origin from Mozambique and Gujarat, was officially recognized in 1982 and currently has around 9,000 members. The temple, housed in a 15,000-square-foot complex, functions as a vibrant socio-cultural hub.
Tributes and Research Engagements
President Murmu also paid floral tributes to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi on Mention Road. Later, she visited the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, where she engaged in open discussions with Indian researchers, showcasing India’s global scientific presence.Departure to Slovak Republic
After completing her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu departed for Vienna aboard a Special VVIP Indian Air Force flight. From there, she will travel by road to Bratislava in the Slovak Republic.This marks the first Indian Presidential visit to Slovakia in 29 years. During the two-day visit, President Murmu is scheduled to meet the country’s president, prime minister, and the Speaker of the National Assembly. Her itinerary also includes a visit to the Tata Motors Jaguar Land Rover facility in Nitra, underlining India’s growing industrial footprint in Central Europe.
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