President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi last night after concluding her historic two-nation state visit to Portugal and Slovakia, where she held high-level meetings aimed at strengthening India’s bilateral ties with both nations.

President Murmu went to Slovakia at the invitation of her Slovakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini. It was the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in 29 years. During her State visit to the country, President Murmu met her Slovakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and the Speaker of the Parliament, among other dignitaries in Bratislava and held discussions on a range of issues concerning mutual cooperation.

The two countries discussed cooperation in the emerging technology sphere such as space and Artificial Intelligence, and to explore further opportunities in sectors such as cyber security. President Murmu also addressed the Indian community at a reception in Slovakian capital. She highlighted the growing cultural ties between India and Slovakia and spoke about the popularity of Indian heritage, traditions, and practices, such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian cuisine in Slovakia, noting that these cultural exchanges reflect the strengthening of relations between the two nations.

President Murmu arrived in Slovakia after completing the first leg of her visit in Portugal. It was the first visit by an Indian President to southern European country in 27 years. Her visit came at a time when India and the European Union are engaged in talks over a free trade agreement. During her visit, the President held discussions with the top leadership of Portugal and also engaged with the local diaspora carrying forward high-level engagements between the two countries.

Briefing media earlier this week, Secretary (West) in External Affairs Ministry, Tanmay Lal termed the President’s Portugal visit as historical. He highlighted that the close ties between two countries also contribute significantly to the broader India-EU partnership.