President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi on Friday after concluding a significant four-day state visit to Portugal and Slovakia, marking the first such visit by an Indian president to Portugal in 27 years. The tour, described by officials as “historic,” came at a crucial juncture as India and the European Union are engaged in discussions to finalize a free trade agreement.
President Murmu was accompanied on her two-nation trip by Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya and Members of Parliament Dhaval Patel and Sandhya Ray. On Friday, she traveled from Bratislava to Vienna by road and departed for Delhi, wrapping up her European engagements.
During the Slovakia leg of her visit, President Murmu met several key figures including Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the Parliament. The discussions covered a broad range of bilateral issues and areas of mutual interest, focusing on emerging technologies like space and Artificial Intelligence, as well as cyber security.
“There is a strong and growing element of cooperation in the field of education and research. Health and wellness were also discussed as areas of collaboration, along with tourism,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry.
President Murmu’s state visit to Portugal underscored the importance of strengthening India-Portugal ties, particularly within the framework of the India-EU strategic partnership. She engaged in high-level talks with Portuguese leaders and addressed the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
“The India-Portugal partnership also contributes strongly to the India-EU strategic partnership and India’s engagement with Lusophone countries. India is an associate member of the CPLP, the community of Portuguese-speaking nations,” Lal added.
The President’s visit is expected to give a renewed push to India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements with both Portugal and Slovakia, while also reinforcing its broader outreach to the European Union.
Sources By Agencies
