Indian President's Visit to Portugal and Slovakia
The President of India is scheduled to visit Portugal and Slovakia, marking significant diplomatic engagements for India in Europe. These visits are seen as pivotal in strengthening India’s relations with these nations and the broader European Union.
Visit to Portugal
- The visit is historic, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
- The President will engage in delegation-level talks with Portugal's President and meet the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament.
- Interaction with the Indian community and Indian researchers in Portugal is planned.
- India-Portugal trade currently stands at $1.5 billion, with a steady growth trajectory.
- Portugal was the first European country to sign a Migration and Mobility Agreement with India, highlighting robust bilateral ties.
Visit to Slovakia
- This visit marks the 30th anniversary of the Indian Embassy in Bratislava.
- The President will engage in talks with President of Slovakia and meet its Prime Minister.
- Slovakia hosts a 6,000-strong Indian diaspora and is notable for its bilateral business engagements in sectors like automobiles, engineering, and IT.
- The visit underscores Slovakia's strategic support during the 2022 evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine.
Significance of the Visits
- Both visits highlight India’s growing engagement with Europe, with the aim of enhancing the India-EU partnership.
- The visits are expected to boost existing trade relations and explore new avenues of cooperation in diverse sectors.
