Lisbon: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Portugal on Sunday, April 7, beginning a four-day State Visit to Portugal and the Slovak Republic, marking a renewed chapter in India’s high-level diplomatic engagements with Europe. Her visit represents the first by an Indian Head of State to Portugal in 27 years, reaffirming India’s intent to enhance cooperation with key European partners in an era of global realignments.
The last Indian President to travel to Portugal was President K.R. Narayanan in 1998, and the significance of President Murmu’s visit lies not only in its historicity but in the agenda of deepening strategic and economic ties between New Delhi and Lisbon.
Ceremonial Welcome at Praça do Império
On Monday morning, President Murmu was formally welcomed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Praça do Império, one of Lisbon’s most iconic public spaces. The ceremony featured a Guard of Honour, national anthems of both countries, and warm exchanges between the two leaders, setting the tone for a comprehensive round of bilateral discussions.
This ceremonial grandeur was symbolic of the shared aspirations between India and Portugal—countries connected by centuries of history but now seeking a modern, forward-looking partnership that includes technology, education, trade, and renewable energy.
Bilateral Talks Focus on Multisectoral Cooperation
During the delegation-level talks held soon after the official welcome, President Murmu and President Marcelo led discussions with senior officials from both nations. Key areas of focus included:
- Trade and investment
- Technology collaboration
- Renewable energy transition
- Higher education and research partnerships
- Cultural exchanges and diaspora engagement
President Murmu emphasized the historical depth of India-Portugal relations, acknowledging the longstanding people-to-people links, shared democratic values, and growing strategic interests. India, which now counts Portugal among its trusted partners in Europe, is particularly interested in Lisbon’s proactive stance on green energy and digital innovation, areas where both countries can expand cooperation.
The Portuguese President, for his part, welcomed India’s growing global role and expressed keen interest in leveraging bilateral ties to enhance economic linkages and support global issues such as climate action, sustainable development, and technological cooperation.
Reinforcing Economic Diplomacy
India’s relations with Portugal have gained momentum over the past decade, notably with the India-Portugal Business Forum, active participation in trade events, and Lisbon’s support for India’s inclusion in key multilateral platforms. President Murmu’s visit provided an opportunity to reiterate India’s readiness to strengthen the EU-India trade corridor, especially in light of ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Discussions were also aimed at facilitating mutual investments, simplifying business visa norms, and strengthening start-up ecosystems through collaborative platforms. Portugal’s thriving technology and innovation sector has already attracted interest from Indian IT and pharmaceutical firms, while Indian students increasingly seek opportunities in Portugal’s higher education institutions.
Cultural and Diaspora Bonds Remain Strong Pillars
President Murmu highlighted the cultural affinities that underpin bilateral goodwill. India and Portugal share centuries-old connections that stem from historical maritime routes, with the Portuguese presence in Goa and the spread of Lusophone heritage contributing to a rich civilizational interface.
The Indian diaspora in Portugal, though small in number, plays a crucial role in people-to-people diplomacy. The President acknowledged their contributions to the host country and their active role in maintaining cultural continuity. She also expressed appreciation for the Portuguese government’s support to the diaspora in fostering educational, business, and cultural opportunities.
Portugal’s interest in Indian yoga, cuisine, cinema, and classical arts has grown over the years, creating a fertile ground for soft power diplomacy. This was further evident in recent collaborations between cultural institutions, joint heritage conservation efforts, and educational exchange programs.
Geopolitical Alignment and Multilateral Cooperation
At a time when global alliances are in flux, India and Portugal have demonstrated a shared commitment to democratic values, multilateralism, and rules-based international order. Portugal has been supportive of India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and has actively backed India’s initiatives at global forums such as the International Solar Alliance.
During the talks, both leaders discussed regional and global challenges, including maritime security, digital regulation, cybersecurity, and post-pandemic recovery strategies. Portugal, as a member of the European Union, is seen by India as a vital bridge for expanding engagement across the European bloc.
The Road Ahead: India-Slovakia Diplomatic Leap
Following the completion of her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu is scheduled to travel to Slovakia, where she will meet President Peter Pellegrini. Her visit marks the first Indian Presidential visit to Slovakia in 29 years, signaling India’s intent to expand its diplomatic footprint in Central and Eastern Europe.
In Slovakia, the agenda is expected to focus on bilateral trade, defence cooperation, scientific research, and academic collaboration. With Slovakia’s strategic location within the European Union and its growing interest in Asian markets, India views this engagement as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the Visegrád Group countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic).
President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Portugal is not just a ceremonial event but a deliberate diplomatic step aimed at revitalizing India’s engagements with key European allies. Her presence in Lisbon after nearly three decades is reflective of India’s expanded foreign policy horizon, prioritizing deep, diversified, and future-facing partnerships.
As the visit transitions to Slovakia, the momentum generated in Portugal is expected to carry forward, opening new avenues for cooperation that are rooted in mutual benefit and shared global responsibilities.
