President Murmu arrives in Lisbon for four-day visit to Portugal and Slovakia

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Lisbon on early Monday marking the beginning of a historic four-day state visit to Portugal and Slovakia. The visit is at the invitation of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. This is the first state visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years, with the last being by President K R Narayanan in 1998.

Murmu’s visit to Portugal comes as the two countries commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations. In a post on X, the ministry of external affairs had described the visit as a “landmark” moment that will deepen India’s multifaceted engagement with Portugal and the broader European Union. The last few years have seen growing cooperation between India and Portugal in sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, and defence.

Her schedule includes delegation-level talks with President Sousa, meetings with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Speaker of the Assembly José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, and a special event hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon. President Sousa will also host a banquet in her honour.

Secretary (West) in the ministry of external affairs, Tanmaya Lal had earlier said that the visit is “symbolic and historic,” noting that trade between India and Portugal has reached $1.5 billion and grown by 50 per cent over the past five years. He said discussions are expected to cover mutual interests, including the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hope to finalise this year.

President Murmu will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Alameda Mahatma Gandhi in Lisbon and engage with the Indian community, which numbers around 1.25 lakh across Portugal. She is expected to meet Indian researchers and academics working in local institutions.

After concluding her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu will travel to Slovakia on April 9. Her visit there will be the first by an Indian President in 29 years. She is scheduled to meet President Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and National Council Speaker Richard Rasi.