Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas received Indian President Draupadi Murmu with the “Key to the City” on her official two-day visit to Portugal. Greeting her at the ceremony at the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Moedas stated, “Namaskar! Madam President. Welcome to Lisbon.” President Murmu was presented with a ceremonial guard of honor and escorted to the historic Noble Salon, where the ceremony took place. The room was packed with members of the Indian diaspora in Portugal.
With this, President Murmu was made an honorary citizen of Lisbon. Mayor Moedas highlighted the significance of this action and warmly recognized her presence. President Murmu started her address with the standard Portuguese greeting “Bom Dia” and reiterated the centuries-long cultural connection between India and Portugal. She said these long-standing connections have given both countries an indelible mark.
She reiterated that India and Portugal are natural allies on the international stage, having a sense of responsibility in regional and multilateral matters. President Murmu also mentioned Portugal’s significant contribution to strengthening India’s relations with the European Union and Lusophone nations.
She referred to the popularity of Indian art, food, yoga, and Ayurveda in Portugal as evidence of the close cultural bond. Recognizing the Indian diaspora as the “cornerstone of our relations,” she lauded their significant contributions to Portuguese society and economy.
Earlier, Mayor Moedas referenced Indian PM Narendra Modi, citing the Upanishadic principle “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. He appealed for unity and rejection of social divisions.
Portugal has approximately 125,000 Indians, many of whom have their origins in Gujarat and Goa, in a nation of close to 10 million.
