On the final day of her visit to Portugal, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, carried forward her diplomatic mission with warmth and purpose, marking significant moments of bilateral engagement and heartfelt connection with the Indian diaspora. Her day began with meetings that emphasized friendship and future cooperation. In Lisbon, she met with the President of the Portuguese Parliament, H.E. José Pedro Aguiar-Branco. Both leaders expressed their shared belief that deeper engagement between the parliaments of India and Portugal would strengthen the people-to-people bond between the two nations—an essential element in fostering long-term international harmony.
President Murmu also held meaningful discussions with the Prime Minister of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Luis Montenegro. Their dialogue touched upon key areas of mutual interest including trade, defence, science and technology, and energy. Both leaders were optimistic about the untapped potential in the relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to broadening cooperation.
Earlier, accompanied by President Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, the Indian President visited the prestigious Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, a leading center for medical research and innovation. There, she observed pioneering work being done in neuroscience, oncology, and automated medicine delivery. Particularly touching was her interaction with Indian researchers and scholars, whose contributions to cutting-edge science abroad reflect India’s global talent and its spirit of inquiry. The President praised their dedication and noted that their efforts are helping to deepen India-Portugal collaboration in emerging fields of science.
Her day also included a solemn and symbolic tribute, as she paid floral respects at the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. She later visited the Radha-Krishna Temple in Lisbon, where she offered prayers, taking a moment for reflection amid her busy diplomatic schedule.
A particularly heartfelt moment came as the President addressed a vibrant gathering of the Indian community at a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador to Portugal. With warmth and pride, she told the audience—comprising individuals from various regions and communities of India—that their unity and contributions embody the values that India and Portugal both cherish: democracy, diversity, and fraternity. She recognized their role as cultural ambassadors and thanked the Portuguese government and its people for their hospitality and support of the Indian diaspora.
President Murmu reassured the community of the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to its people abroad. She emphasized that the Indian Missions are always prepared to support citizens in times of need, and reminded them that no matter where they are in the world, India stands beside them.
With these meaningful engagements drawing to a close, the President departed for the Slovak Republic, carrying with her the goodwill, affection, and aspirations of the Indian community in Portugal and the promise of a stronger Indo-Portuguese partnership.
