President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Portugal and Slovakia from April 7 to 10 as part of a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening India’s bilateral partnerships, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.
President Murmu will visit Portugal from April 7-8 at the invitation of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
This visit holds historical significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal. The last State Visit by an Indian President to Portugal occurred in 1998, when President K. R. Narayanan visited the country.
During her visit, President Murmu will engage in high-level discussions with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. She will also meet Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, and the President of the National Assembly (Parliament), Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. These discussions will focus on strengthening the growing and dynamic bilateral relationship between India and Portugal, which has evolved into a multifaceted partnership with strong cooperation across various sectors.
The visit is expected to provide renewed momentum to India-Portugal relations, including expanding trade, economic ties, and people-to-people exchanges. As part of her diplomatic outreach, President Murmu will also interact with the Indian community in Portugal.
Following her visit to Portugal, President Murmu will travel to Slovakia on April 9 at the invitation of President Peter Pellegrini. This will be the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly three decades.
In Slovakia, President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. She will also meet the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Richard Rasi. These engagements will focus on strengthening and expanding ties between India and Slovakia, particularly in trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
