President Murmu Receives City Key of Honour in Portugal

 President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, embarked on a historic visit to Lisbon, Portugal, where she was honored with the prestigious ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon. This momentous occasion marked a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Portugal, especially as both nations celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations in 2025.



Strengthening Bilateral Relations

President Murmu’s visit underscored the growing partnership between India and Portugal, highlighting areas of collaboration in technology, innovation, and knowledge-based economies. Her interactions with Portuguese leaders reinforced the mutual commitment to furthering economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Key Highlights of President Murmu’s Visit

Receiving the City Key of Honour

  • President Murmu was presented with the ‘City Key of Honour’ at a grand ceremony at Lisbon City Hall.

  • She expressed deep appreciation for Lisbon’s commitment to cultural diversity, innovation, and technological advancement.

  • The honor symbolized the deep-rooted friendship between India and Portugal and the shared values of openness and inclusivity.

Technological and Economic Collaboration

  • Lisbon’s reputation as a hub for digital transformation and innovation was a key focus.

  • President Murmu emphasized India’s interest in collaborating on digital public infrastructure, information technology, and start-up ecosystems.

  • The visit provided an opportunity to explore partnerships in research, education, and science.

State Banquet at Palacio da Ajuda

  • The Portuguese President, H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, hosted a state banquet in President Murmu’s honor.

  • The discussions highlighted the shared cultural and historical connections, including architectural influences, linguistic traces, and culinary traditions.

  • The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties

The year 2025 marks the golden jubilee of India-Portugal diplomatic relations, reflecting a dynamic and evolving partnership. President Murmu emphasized the transformation of historic ties into a forward-looking, strategic relationship with cooperation in the following areas:

  • Science and Technology

  • Defence Collaboration

  • Information Technology (IT) and Start-ups

  • Cultural and Educational Exchange

  • Sustainable Growth and Innovation

India’s Vision as a Knowledge Economy

President Murmu highlighted India’s commitment to innovation, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development, positioning Portugal as a valuable partner in achieving these goals. She reiterated the importance of fostering a knowledge-driven economy that benefits both nations and contributes to global progress.

Portugal’s Role in EU-India Relations

Portugal has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s relations with the European Union. Key milestones include:

  • Hosting the first India-EU Summit in 2000 under Portugal’s EU Presidency.

  • Organizing the India-EU Plus 27 Leadership Summit in 2021, reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and the EU.

Future Outlook

President Murmu’s visit laid the foundation for further expanding India-Portugal relations. She expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow, fostering economic, technological, and cultural exchanges that will benefit both nations and contribute to global stability and prosperity.

The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening its ties with Portugal, creating new opportunities for cooperation, and strengthening the bilateral relationship in the years to come.

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