President Droupadi Murmu's Historic State Visits: Strengthening Ties with Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania

President Murmu's Upcoming European Tour

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has revealed that President Droupadi Murmu will embark on state visits to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania from July 19 to July 25. The objective of this trip is to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.

This three-nation journey is significant as it marks the inaugural bilateral visits by an Indian president to both Moldova and North Macedonia, as stated by MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George during a press briefing.

Additionally, President Murmu's visit to Romania will be noteworthy as it is the first state visit by an Indian president to the country in over thirty years, with the last visit occurring in 1994.

George emphasized that this tour underscores India's increasing engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, reinforcing its commitment to fostering partnerships in the region. It also aligns with India's broader strategy of strengthening ties with the European Union.

The visit is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing India's collaboration in the areas of trade, technology, and tourism.

On July 20, President Murmu will arrive in Moldova at the invitation of President Maia Sandu. This visit is historic as it is the first time an Indian president will visit Moldova.

During her stay, President Murmu will engage in discussions with her Moldovan counterpart, as well as meet with the Prime Minister and the President of the Parliament, Igor Grosu.

Moreover, she will interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address a business forum, and connect with the Indian community in Moldova. A banquet dinner will also be hosted by the Moldovan president in her honor.

George noted that India and Moldova share a warm relationship founded on mutual respect and democratic values, although economic ties have yet to reach their full potential. Moldova has expressed strong support for India in its fight against terrorism, particularly condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Education has become a vital aspect of their bilateral relations, with many Indian students pursuing medical studies in Moldova, thereby enhancing people-to-people connections.

This visit will allow for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and discussions on expanding cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, digital technologies, renewable energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, culture, and connectivity.

An Indian business delegation is anticipated to accompany President Murmu during her visit to Moldova.

Following Moldova, President Murmu will travel to North Macedonia from July 21 to 22 at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. She will hold bilateral discussions with the President, meet Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and address the Assembly of North Macedonia.

The North Macedonian president will also host a banquet in her honor, and President Murmu will address the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.

Both nations are eager to deepen economic ties in key sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT.

Next, from July 23 to 25, President Murmu will visit Romania at the invitation of President Nicusor Dan. This visit marks the first by an Indian president to Romania in over three decades.

During her time in Romania, she will engage in one-on-one and delegation-level talks, and the Romanian president will also host a banquet in her honor.

President Murmu will meet with the interim Prime Minister, the President of the Senate, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, as well as members of the Romania-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.

She will also address the India-Romania Business Forum and interact with the Indian community.

Romania is recognized as a key partner within the European Union, and with the anticipated conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the economic partnership is expected to strengthen significantly.

Both North Macedonia and Romania have condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed their solidarity with India in combating terrorism.

President Murmu's three-nation tour highlights India's commitment to enhancing its bilateral relationships with these nations and its broader engagement with Eastern Europe.

When questioned about the possibility of establishing an Indian embassy in Moldova, George stated that there are currently no plans to open a new diplomatic mission.