Lisbon: In a gesture celebrating growing ties between India and Portugal, President of India Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon by the Mayor of Lisbon at a ceremonial function held at the City Hall on April 7. The prestigious honour symbolises Lisbon’s recognition of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Expressing her gratitude, President Murmu lauded Lisbon for its open-mindedness, cultural vibrancy, and progressive values rooted in tolerance and diversity. She commended the city’s leadership in digital transition, innovation, and technological advancement, and emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration between India and Portugal in these emerging areas.
Later in the evening, President Murmu attended a banquet hosted in her honour by the President of Portugal, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the historic Palacio da Ajuda. Speaking at the banquet, she highlighted the cultural and historical bonds that have united the two nations for centuries — evident in architecture, language, and cuisine — and celebrated the shared heritage that continues to enrich bilateral relations.
President Murmu noted that 2025 marks a landmark year, commemorating 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between India and Portugal. She underscored the steady growth in cooperation across multiple sectors including science and technology, defence, IT, research, education, and culture.
Reiterating India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development driven by knowledge and innovation, the President said that Portugal remains a key partner in India’s global journey of transformation. She also acknowledged Portugal’s pivotal role in strengthening India’s engagement with the European Union, referencing the India-EU Summit held in 2000 and the historic “India-EU Plus 27” Leadership Summit in 2021, both during Portugal’s presidency of the EU.
