President Droupadi Murmu attended a grand banquet hosted in her honour by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the historic Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon on Monday evening, marking a significant moment in the ongoing celebrations of 50 years of India-Portugal diplomatic relations.
Speaking at the banquet, President Murmu highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations, stating that the historic ties between India and Portugal are evolving into a dynamic and visionary partnership across diverse sectors.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu engaged in several cultural and ceremonial activities, including visits to the Church of Santa Maria and the tomb of renowned Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camoes. She also toured the Monastery of Jeronimos, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its 16th-century architecture.
A notable highlight of the day was the ceremonial presentation of the “Key of Honour” of Lisbon to President Murmu at the Camara Municipal de Lisboa (City Hall). The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and Indo-Portuguese representatives.
During her address at the City Hall, President Murmu spoke about India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047, aiming for a prosperous, inclusive society grounded in human-centric development.
“Portugal has been an important partner of India in promoting our relations with the European Union and Lusophone countries,” she said, while also acknowledging the deep-rooted cultural ties that connect the two countries.
President Murmu’s ongoing state visit to Portugal—her first and the first by an Indian President in 27 years—comes at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The last such visit took place in 1998 by then-President K. R. Narayanan.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders held extensive discussions covering a range of bilateral and global issues, reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthening India-Portugal ties.
