India and Portugal Aim to Enhance Historic Relations and Diaspora Connections During President Murmu's Visit
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Synopsis
India and Portugal are enhancing their historical ties and diaspora connections during President Murmu's visit from April 7-8, marking significant diplomatic milestones and fostering cultural collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu's visit to Portugal is historic, being the first in 27 years.
- The two nations are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.
- High-level exchanges reflect strong engagement between India and Portugal.
- Trade relations have seen a 50% growth in the past five years.
- President Murmu will also visit Slovakia, marking another diplomatic milestone.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) India and Portugal are poised to reinforce their deep-rooted historical connections, vibrant diaspora bonds, and distinctive cultural relationships during President Droupadi Murmu's official visit to Portugal from April 7 to 8, invited by her Portuguese counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
This visit marks the first of its kind in 27 years and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The last official visit occurred in 1998 when President K. R. Narayanan traveled to Portugal.
"This is a highly significant and landmark visit... Notably, President Sousa visited India in 2020, and Prime Minister Antonio Costa was in India in 2019. Prime Minister Modi also visited Portugal in 2017, while Prime Minister Costa previously traveled to India in 2017 as well. The frequency of high-level exchanges reflects the substantial engagement between our two nations," stated Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a media briefing on Friday.
India and Portugal maintain a longstanding and amicable bilateral relationship that has evolved into a contemporary, multifaceted, and dynamic partnership, characterized by significant growth and expansion in various areas of collaboration. This visit will add further momentum to the strengthening of India-Portugal relations.
During her visit, President Murmu will engage in delegation-level discussions with her counterpart, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as well as with the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, and the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
"Another important aspect of the India-Portugal relationship is the India-EU partnership, which is further strengthened by this bilateral relationship. It's noteworthy that during Portugal's EU Presidency in 2000, the first India-EU summit was hosted there, and in 2021, the inaugural India-EU Leaders' Summit was also held under Portuguese leadership. This relationship plays a crucial role in enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the EU," Secretary Lal remarked.
Additionally, Portugal was the first European nation to sign a Migration and Mobility Agreement with India.
"In terms of economic relations, trade between the two nations stands at approximately US$ 1.5 billion and has been steadily increasing, with a 50% growth over the last five years. Areas of cooperation include renewable energy, IT, pharmaceuticals, education, tourism, and defense. Furthermore, at the multilateral level, India is an associate member of the CPLP, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which comprises nine members," the senior diplomat explained.
After her visit to Portugal, President Murmu will proceed to Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian President in 29 years. During her stay from April 9 to 10, she will meet with Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, as well as the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Rasi.
"In recent years, the foreign ministers of Slovakia have made visits to India in 2023, 2024, and again this year. This visit is also significant as it comes 30 years after the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Bratislava in 1995. Recently, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar visited India, and last year, the then foreign minister, Rastislav Kacer, met with the External Affairs Minister in Vienna," noted Lal.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also been to Bratislava last year in 2023. Additionally, Slovak Minister of Economy Karel Hirman visited India with a business delegation last year, and Foreign Office Consultations were held in the same period.
"Slovakian businesses are investing in India across diverse sectors, including manufacturing steel, IT hardware, and railways, along with longstanding defense ties. One of Slovakia's satellites was launched by an Indian rocket, PSLV, in 2017," concluded Lal.
Throughout her visit to both nations, President Murmu is set to engage with the members of the Indian community.
