Chisinau: President Droupadi Murmu and her Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral relations during Murmu’s historic state visit to Moldova, with both sides emphasizing reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism. The visit marks the first-ever trip by an Indian Head of State to the Eastern European nation since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992.
During bilateral talks in Chisinau, the two leaders reviewed the existing partnership and explored new avenues of cooperation across several key sectors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions covered trade and investment, digital transformation, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, culture, and capacity building. The leaders also examined opportunities to deepen collaboration in innovation and sustainable economic development.
Briefing the media, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said that both countries recognized the importance of strengthening international cooperation against terrorism while also discussing the need for reforms in global multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to make them more representative and effective.
As a symbol of friendship between the two nations, President Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to President Sandu. She also paid tribute to one of Moldova’s most respected historical figures by laying a wreath at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant (Stephen the Great).
Apart from meeting President Sandu, Murmu also held discussions with Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, and interacted with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group. The engagements highlighted both countries’ commitment to strengthening parliamentary and people-to-people ties.
The two Presidents jointly addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum, which brought together business leaders from diverse sectors to identify new opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer, and innovation. The Indian business delegation included around 20 representatives from agritech, information technology, consulting, defence, e-commerce, engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, construction, hospitality, human resources, and export-oriented industries.
The MEA noted that India and Moldova are also exploring cooperation in digital public infrastructure, food processing, logistics, innovation, and skills development. These sectors are expected to create mutually beneficial opportunities for investment, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth.
Educational ties also remain an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. Around 2,000 Indian students, primarily pursuing medical education, are currently studying in Moldova, reflecting the growing people-to-people engagement between the two countries.
President Murmu also invited President Sandu to visit India at a mutually convenient date, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to expanding its engagement with Eastern Europe. Following her visit to Moldova, President Murmu is scheduled to continue her diplomatic outreach with visits to Romania and North Macedonia, reflecting India’s broader effort to diversify its partnerships across the European continent beyond its traditional engagements with Western European nations.
