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City Key of Honour Award to Indian President
- 11 Apr 2025
- 2 min read
The President of India received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon (Portugal), acknowledging the strong ties and goodwill between India and Portugal.
- It is the highest honour accorded by the city of Lisbon, given by the Mayor to recognise contributions to society or ties with Portugal.
- 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal diplomatic relations.
India-Portugal Relations:
- Historical Background: India- Portugal connection began in 1498 with Vasco da Gama's arrival in Calicut.
- Full diplomatic normalization was achieved after Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution, culminating in the 1975 Goa Treaty.
- Strategic Cooperation: Portugal has consistently backed India’s bid for UNSC permanent membership and NSG entry. It also initiated the India-EU Summits, hosting the first in Lisbon in 2000 under PM Vajpayee.
- Economic and Trade Relations: As of 2025, India-Portugal bilateral trade stands at around USD 1.5 billion, marking a 50% rise since 2020 (USD 951 million).
- Diaspora Linkages: Around 1.25 lakh Indians, including 35,000 nationals and 90,000 persons of Indian origin (PIO) live in Portugal.
- Cultural and Educational Cooperation: India-Portugal cultural ties include the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair at the University of Lisbon and release of joint stamps marking 500 years of ties.
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