Strengthening India-Europe Engagement: The visits to Portugal and Slovakia signify India’s commitment to bolstering its diplomatic ties with Europe.
50th Anniversary (India-Portugal): The Portugal visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal diplomatic relations, highlighting the historical significance.
Growing Bilateral Trade: Trade between India and Portugal is growing steadily, currently at USD 1.5 billion.
Migration and Mobility Agreement: Portugal was the first European nation to sign a Migration and Mobility Agreement with India, easing work visas.
30th Anniversary (India-Slovakia): The Slovakia visit marks the 30th anniversary of the Indian Embassy in Bratislava, emphasizing sustained diplomatic engagement.
Support During Ukraine Crisis: India appreciates Slovakia’s assistance in evacuating Indian students from Ukraine in 2022.
Focus Areas: Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties in technology, renewable energy, and diaspora engagement (especially in Portugal, with 85,000+ citizens).
Agreements with Portugal: MoUs were signed on green hydrogen, marine conservation, and a mobility pact.
Defense Cooperation with Slovakia: Talks involved joint production of anti-drone systems and leveraging Slovakia’s EU membership for India’s FTA negotiations.
City Key of Honour: The President received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon, highlighting the city’s openness and technological advancements where cooperation can be built.
Cultural Ties: The President acknowledged the centuries-old cultural ties between India and Portugal visible in architecture, historical sites, languages, and cuisines.
Portugal as a Partner: India sees Portugal as a partner in harnessing its strengths as a knowledge-based economy.
Portugal’s EU Role: The President appreciated Portugal’s role in promoting India’s relations with the European Union, especially its role in hosting India-EU summits.
