“From shared heritage to digital futures — partnerships thrive when nations unite in vision and values.” — President Droupadi Murmu in Lisbon
On April 7, 2025, India and Portugal marked a significant diplomatic milestone: the 50th anniversary of their formal bilateral relations. In celebration of this golden jubilee, President Droupadi Murmu undertook a landmark state visit to Portugal — a gesture symbolic of India’s deepening ties with Europe and its evolving role in 21st-century diplomacy.
The visit not only highlighted the strong foundation of India-Portugal relations but also paved the way for future cooperation in technology, culture, education, and digital diplomacy. From receiving the prestigious “City Key of Honour” in Lisbon to engaging in strategic dialogues on innovation and sustainability, President Murmu’s Portugal visit captured the shared aspirations of both nations toward a collaborative, future-ready partnership.
📜 A Diplomatic Milestone: 50 Years of India-Portugal Relations
The year 2025 marks 50 years since India and Portugal established formal diplomatic relations in 1975. This relationship, rooted in mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared commitment to global cooperation, has evolved from historical connections into a modern partnership spanning trade, education, defense, science, technology, and cultural exchange.
While India and Portugal share centuries-old cultural and commercial links dating back to the Age of Exploration, their formal diplomatic ties reflect a contemporary understanding of shared interests and complementary strengths. Over five decades, the partnership has matured through consistent dialogue, institutional cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Portugal commemorated this historic occasion with renewed purpose. She emphasized that this golden jubilee is not just a celebration of the past, but a vision for a collaborative future driven by sustainability, innovation, and mutual prosperity. The visit signaled India’s recognition of Portugal as a strategic gateway to Europe and a valuable partner in building 21st-century solutions to global challenges.
Think of India-Portugal relations like a long friendship that started formally in 1975. While both countries knew each other historically, they became official partners 50 years ago. Now, like old friends reconnecting with new ideas, India and Portugal are exploring modern ways to work together — especially in technology and innovation. President Murmu’s visit is like visiting an old friend to plan exciting new projects together.
🏛️ Symbol of Friendship: President Murmu Receives Lisbon’s City Key of Honour
In one of the most touching and symbolic moments of her visit, President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the “City Key of Honour” by the Mayor of Lisbon at the iconic Lisbon City Hall. This rare and prestigious honor recognized India’s long-standing friendship with Portugal and the President’s personal role in strengthening global diplomatic outreach.
The City Key is a centuries-old European tradition symbolizing trust, friendship, and the opening of a city’s doors to an honored guest. By presenting this to President Murmu, Lisbon acknowledged not only India’s importance as a global partner but also the President’s leadership in promoting inclusive development and international cooperation.
In her acceptance speech, President Murmu applauded Lisbon’s spirit of openness, multiculturalism, and rapid digital transformation. She noted that Lisbon’s forward-thinking culture, reflected in its thriving startup ecosystem and smart city initiatives, makes it an ideal partner for India in areas such as technology, innovation, and sustainability.
The ceremony at Lisbon City Hall, attended by Portuguese dignitaries, diplomatic corps, and members of the Indian diaspora, was a testament to the warmth and depth of India-Portugal friendship. It demonstrated how symbolic gestures in diplomacy can carry profound meaning, bridging historical connections with contemporary aspirations.
Exam Fact: The “City Key of Honour” is a rare civic honor dating back to medieval European traditions. When a city presents its key to a dignitary, it symbolizes trust and the metaphorical “opening of gates” — signifying that the honored guest is always welcome. President Murmu receiving this in Lisbon highlights the special status of India-Portugal ties.
💻 Lisbon as a Tech Leader: Opportunities for Digital Partnership
Lisbon has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s rising innovation hubs, particularly in digital public infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, and smart technologies. The city’s transformation from a historical port to a modern tech center mirrors India’s own journey of digital revolution, making it a natural partner for technological collaboration.
During her engagements, President Murmu underscored the immense potential for India-Portugal collaboration in digital innovation. She highlighted India’s pioneering digital public platforms that have transformed governance and citizen services:
- Aadhaar: World’s largest biometric identity system with over 1.3 billion enrollments
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface): Real-time digital payment system processing billions of transactions monthly
- DigiLocker: Cloud-based platform for issuance and verification of documents digitally
- CoWIN: Digital platform that enabled one of the world’s largest vaccination drives
President Murmu argued that these platforms, which represent India’s model of tech-enabled governance, could find synergies with Portugal’s thriving startup ecosystem and digital innovation strategies. Portugal’s Web Summit, Europe’s largest tech conference held annually in Lisbon, and its growing unicorn ecosystem demonstrate the country’s commitment to digital transformation.
With India aiming to become a knowledge-based economy and Portugal showcasing dynamic capabilities in innovation, both nations are well-positioned to co-develop digital frameworks that address global challenges such as digital inclusion, data privacy, cybersecurity, and sustainable development while empowering citizens through technology.
India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) model has attracted global attention for making technology accessible and affordable. How can India-Portugal collaboration in this space benefit not just both countries but also serve as a model for other developing nations? What are the ethical considerations when exporting digital governance models across different political and cultural contexts?
| Domain | India’s Strength | Portugal’s Strength | Collaboration Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Infrastructure | Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker | Smart city tech, e-governance | Scalable DPI solutions |
| Startup Ecosystem | Large tech talent pool | Web Summit, incubators | Joint ventures, funding |
| Innovation | Cost-effective solutions | European market access | Co-development of tech products |
| Education | IIT system, research centers | EU research networks | Academic exchanges, joint research |
🎭 Shared Heritage and Culture: Highlights from Palacio da Ajuda Banquet
As part of the state visit, Portuguese President H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa hosted a grand banquet in honor of President Murmu at the historic Palacio da Ajuda (Ajuda Palace). Built in the 19th century as a royal residence, the palace provided a magnificent backdrop for this celebration of friendship and shared history.
The evening was not merely ceremonial — it was a thoughtful celebration of centuries-old cultural links between India and Portugal that continue to shape contemporary relations. In her remarks at the banquet, President Murmu highlighted several dimensions of Indo-Portuguese cultural connections:
Architectural Heritage: Portuguese influence is visible in the architecture of Goa, Daman, Diu, and parts of Mumbai, where Indo-Portuguese fusion styles created unique built environments that blend European and Indian aesthetics.
Culinary Influences: Portuguese traders introduced ingredients like chili peppers, cashews, and potatoes to India, while Indian spices transformed Portuguese cuisine. Dishes like vindaloo represent this culinary fusion that enriches both cultures.
Linguistic Connections: Thousands of words in Indian languages, particularly in Konkani and Gujarati, derive from Portuguese. Words like “chaabi” (key), “mez” (table), and “balti” (bucket) are everyday reminders of historical connections.
Religious and Social Ties: Portuguese missionary activity, while complex and controversial, left lasting marks on Indian Christianity, particularly in Goa and Kerala, where Catholic traditions blend with local customs.
These cultural elements, President Murmu emphasized, continue to foster people-to-people ties and enrich modern diplomatic engagement. The banquet celebrated not just diplomatic protocol but genuine cultural affinity that makes the India-Portugal relationship unique among India’s European partnerships.
Don’t confuse: Portugal’s historical presence in India (Goa, 1510-1961) with formal diplomatic relations (established 1975). While cultural connections go back centuries, official diplomatic ties are only 50 years old. Also, don’t confuse Palacio da Ajuda with Palacio de Belem (official residence of Portuguese President) — the banquet was at Ajuda Palace specifically.
✨ Building a Digital Future: India’s Vision and Portugal’s Role
President Murmu outlined India’s ambitious vision of becoming a global knowledge economy, driven by innovation, digital governance, and inclusive growth. This vision, encapsulated in initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), positions technology as the backbone of national development and citizen empowerment.
The President emphasized India’s remarkable success with digital public platforms, which have demonstrated how technology can democratize access to services, reduce corruption, and improve efficiency at scale. India’s digital journey offers valuable lessons:
- Scale and Inclusion: Designing systems that work for 1.4 billion people, including marginalized communities
- Cost-Effectiveness: Building affordable solutions that maximize impact with limited resources
- Interoperability: Creating platforms that work together seamlessly across sectors
- Open Architecture: Using open-source technologies to prevent vendor lock-in and encourage innovation
President Murmu proposed that Portugal could play a strategic role in co-developing scalable, citizen-centric tech solutions that could be deployed both in India and globally. Portugal’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and education aligns closely with India’s national goals, creating natural synergies.
This convergence opens up new avenues for joint ventures in:
- Startup Collaboration: Connecting Indian and Portuguese startups for knowledge sharing, funding, and market access
- Academic Research Programs: Joint research initiatives between IITs and Portuguese universities on AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology
- Green and Digital Infrastructure: Co-developing smart cities, renewable energy systems, and sustainable transport solutions
- Skill Development: Exchange programs for digital skills training and technology education
Such partnerships not only advance both nations economically but also contribute to global technological progress by demonstrating how countries at different development stages can collaborate effectively on cutting-edge innovation.
Think of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like roads and highways — but for the digital world. Just as physical infrastructure helps people move and trade goods, DPI helps people access services digitally. India’s Aadhaar (digital identity), UPI (digital payments), and DigiLocker (digital documents) are like building highways that everyone can use, making services accessible to millions who were previously excluded.
🇪🇺 Strengthening the India-EU Nexus through Portugal
Portugal has consistently acted as a bridge between India and the European Union, leveraging its position within the EU to advocate for stronger India-EU ties and facilitate high-level dialogue. President Murmu acknowledged two pivotal moments that exemplify Portugal’s role in this strategic relationship:
2000: First India-EU Summit — During its EU presidency, Portugal hosted the first-ever India-EU Summit, establishing a framework for institutionalized dialogue between India and the European bloc. This summit laid the foundation for the India-EU Strategic Partnership that followed.
2021: India-EU “Plus 27” Leadership Summit — Once again during its EU presidency, Portugal hosted a landmark virtual summit that brought together Indian leadership with all 27 EU member states. This summit resulted in the EU-India Connectivity Partnership and renewed commitment to cooperation on climate action, digital transformation, and trade.
These milestones reflect Portugal’s deep commitment to enhancing India-EU dialogue on critical issues including:
- Trade and Investment: Facilitating negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement
- Climate Action: Promoting collaboration on renewable energy and green technologies
- Digital Cooperation: Sharing best practices on data governance, AI regulation, and cybersecurity
- Security Cooperation: Addressing shared challenges including terrorism, maritime security, and cyber threats
As a trusted European ally with strong institutional knowledge of both Indian and European perspectives, Portugal’s advocacy continues to shape a constructive and balanced partnership between India and the EU. The country’s relatively smaller size allows it to act as an honest broker, facilitating dialogue without the strategic competition that sometimes complicates relations between India and larger European powers.
Portugal’s EU Role: Remember that Portugal has hosted TWO major India-EU summits (2000 and 2021), both during its EU presidency. This makes Portugal unique among India’s European partners — it has consistently used its EU position to strengthen India-Europe ties. This is important for questions on India’s foreign policy and EU relations.
🌍 Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready India-Portugal Strategic Partnership
Concluding her visit, President Murmu expressed confidence in a future-oriented partnership between India and Portugal that goes beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges to address 21st-century challenges collaboratively. She emphasized the importance of aligning diplomatic efforts with global challenges such as climate change, digital disruption, geopolitical volatility, and sustainable development.
The President highlighted several priority areas for future cooperation:
1. Joint Technological Innovation: Creating collaborative research and development initiatives in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and clean energy. Both countries can leverage their respective strengths — India’s large tech talent pool and Portugal’s access to European research networks and funding.
2. Academic and Research-Based Collaborations: Expanding student and faculty exchanges between Indian universities (particularly IITs, IISc, and NITs) and Portuguese institutions. Establishing joint research centers focusing on areas of mutual interest such as ocean sciences, renewable energy, and digital governance.
3. Cultural Diplomacy and Youth Exchanges: Strengthening people-to-people connections through cultural festivals, language programs, and youth leadership initiatives. Promoting tourism and understanding of each other’s heritage and contemporary culture.
4. Strengthened Multilateral Cooperation: Working together in international forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and various climate platforms to advocate for developing country interests, reformed multilateralism, and equitable global governance.
5. Business and Trade Expansion: Encouraging Portuguese companies to invest in India’s growing economy, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. Facilitating Indian businesses’ access to European markets through Portugal as a gateway.
Together, India and Portugal are charting a forward-looking path based on shared democratic values, commitment to human rights, respect for international law, and mutual prosperity. The golden jubilee celebrations were not merely ceremonial but strategically symbolic, representing a renewed commitment to building a partnership fit for the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
President Murmu’s Portugal visit demonstrates India’s “multi-alignment” foreign policy — building strategic partnerships across regions without rigid alliance structures. How does this approach differ from traditional bloc politics of the Cold War era? What advantages and challenges does multi-alignment present for a rising power like India in today’s multipolar world?
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President Droupadi Murmu visited Portugal on April 7, 2025, to mark the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal diplomatic relations established in 1975.
President Murmu received the City Key of Honour from the Mayor of Lisbon at Lisbon City Hall, a rare civic honor symbolizing trust and friendship.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa hosted a grand state banquet in honor of President Murmu at the historic Palacio da Ajuda.
Portugal hosted two major India-EU summits: the first India-EU Summit in 2000 and the India-EU Plus 27 Leadership Summit in 2021, both during its EU presidency.
President Murmu highlighted Aadhaar (digital identity), UPI (unified payments interface), and DigiLocker (document storage) as examples of India’s digital public infrastructure success.
