President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Saturday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the Southeast Asian nation. This visit is the final stop on her three-country tour, which also included New Zealand and Fiji.
Upon arrival, President Murmu was warmly welcomed by Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her during the drive from the airport, adding a festive touch to her arrival.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it aims to strengthen the connection between Delhi and Dili. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, "President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived in Dili for the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to Timor-Leste. President @JoseRamosHorta1 of Timor-Leste warmly received President Murmu at the airport."
During her stay, President Murmu is scheduled to meet with President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Additionally, she will attend a community reception with Indian expatriates and Friends of India in Timor-Leste.
In preparation for this visit, MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar announced that India plans to establish an embassy in Dili. Timor-Leste has also expressed its intention to open an embassy in New Delhi.
This visit follows the January trip of Timor-Leste's President to India, where he participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Prior to arriving in Timor-Leste, President Murmu’s tour set a new milestone in bilateral relations with New Zealand.
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