President Droupadi Murmu's Historic State Visits to Portugal and Slovakia: What to Expect?
President Droupadi Murmu's Upcoming Diplomatic Journey
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu is set to begin a four-day state visit to Portugal and Slovakia this Sunday, where discussions may include the anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This significant trip marks the first visit by an Indian President to these nations in over 27 years, as stated by the External Affairs Ministry. During her time abroad, Murmu will engage with various dignitaries, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Speakers from both countries.
Additionally, she plans to connect with the Indian diaspora and is expected to tour a Jaguar Land Rover facility in Nitra, Slovakia.
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the External Affairs Ministry, emphasized that these high-level visits send a crucial message about the ongoing momentum in diplomatic relations that have developed over the past seven to eight years.
Lal noted, "These state visits are timely, enhancing our bilateral partnerships with both Portugal and Slovakia, and will significantly strengthen our ties."
Murmu's first stop will be Portugal, starting Monday, following an invitation from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
During her stay in Portugal, she will hold talks with President Sousa and meet Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, as well as the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
A commemorative stamp will be unveiled by Murmu and Sousa to celebrate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic ties, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Lisbon.
The President will also engage with members of the Indian community and researchers from various Portuguese universities.
Lal highlighted Portugal's pivotal role in fostering India-EU relations, recalling that the first India-EU Summit was hosted there in 2000, and the first leaders' summit occurred in 2021.
When asked about the India-EU FTA, Lal confirmed that discussions on mutual interests would take place.
The second part of Murmu's visit will occur in Slovakia on April 9-10, marking the first visit by an Indian President in nearly three decades.
In Slovakia, she will meet with President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Rasi.
Murmu is also likely to visit the Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing plant in Nitra, which opened in 2018 and has a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, supported by a 125 million Euro investment from the Slovak government.
The President will connect with the Indian community in Slovakia, which has strong cultural ties to India. Lal noted Slovakia's assistance during the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022, emphasizing the importance of India-Slovakia relations within the broader context of India-EU partnerships.