President Droupadi Murmu has landed in Vienna, Austria, and is now headed to the Slovak Republic for the second leg of her four-day state visit to Europe. Her arrival in Slovakia marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first Indian President to visit the country in 29 years.
President Murmu will be in Slovakia from April 9 to 10 at the invitation of President Peter Pellegrini, continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
A Fruitful Visit to Portugal
Before arriving in Austria, President Murmu wrapped up a successful visit to Portugal, her first destination on the European tour. During her stay, she was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Portuguese Parliament and was warmly received by the President of Assembleia da Republica, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
She also attended a state banquet hosted by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon. In her speech, Murmu highlighted the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal diplomatic ties, calling it a year of special significance.
“India and Portugal share a natural synergy, and our historic ties are evolving into a dynamic and visionary partnership,” said President Murmu.
Honours and Cultural Moments
The visit included rich cultural and symbolic gestures. President Murmu was presented with the ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon, acknowledging her role in strengthening ties between the two nations.
She also laid a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes, Portugal’s national poet, at the Church of Santa Maria, and joined President Sousa in launching commemorative postage stamps celebrating 50 years of India-Portugal relations.
Strengthening Global Ties
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the importance of the tour, calling it a step toward deepening India’s partnerships in Europe.
“A fruitful State visit to Portugal concludes. President Droupadi Murmu emplanes for the next leg of her tour, Slovak Republic,” the MEA posted on X.
As President Murmu heads to Slovakia, the visit is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, education, and cultural exchange, furthering India’s diplomatic footprint in Central Europe.
