President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a four-day State visit to Portugal and Slovakia from Sunday, marking a historic diplomatic engagement after more than 27 years. The visit is expected to strengthen India’s bilateral ties with the two European nations and may also include discussions on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During her visit, President Murmu will meet the heads of state, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers, and other key dignitaries of Portugal and Slovakia. She will also interact with the Indian diaspora and is expected to visit Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties with Portugal
President Murmu will begin her official visit in Portugal on Monday at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
Murmu is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Sousa and meet Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and the President of the National Assembly, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco. A commemorative stamp will be released by both presidents to mark the golden jubilee of India-Portugal diplomatic ties.
Portugal has played a significant role in strengthening the India-EU partnership. It hosted the first-ever India-EU Summit in 2000 and facilitated the first Leaders’ Summit between India and the EU in 2021. The visit is expected to further reinforce cooperation in trade, technology, and investment between India and Portugal.
First Indian Presidential Visit to Slovakia in 29 Years
President Murmu will then travel to Slovakia on April 9-10, making it the first visit by an Indian President to the country in nearly three decades. She will hold bilateral meetings with President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Raši.
A key highlight of her visit to Slovakia is a likely tour of Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover plant in Nitra. Established in 2018 with an investment of 1.4 billion euros, the plant has a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually. The Slovak government supported the investment with a 125-million-euro aid package, and the facility contributes to nearly 30-35% of JLR’s global business.
Additionally, Murmu will meet the Indian community in Slovakia, further enhancing cultural and people-to-people ties. Slovakia has played a crucial role in India’s diplomatic efforts, including assisting in the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022.
Strategic Significance of the Visit
Speaking on the significance of the visit, MEA Secretary Tanmaya Lal stated that high-level engagements in recent years have strengthened India’s partnerships with Portugal and Slovakia. He emphasized that the visit reinforces India’s growing global presence and diplomatic outreach.
“Both these state visits are coming at an important time in our bilateral partnerships. They will provide a strong push to our relations with Portugal and Slovakia,” Lal said. He also indicated that discussions on the India-EU FTA could be part of the agenda during the visit.
The visits mark an important step in bolstering India’s diplomatic footprint in Europe, fostering stronger economic and strategic collaborations with both nations.
Sources By Agencies
