Bucharest: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday held extensive bilateral talks with Romanian President Nicușor Dan in Bucharest, with the two countries agreeing to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, science and technology, education, culture, and innovation. The leaders also set an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade within the next three years, underscoring the growing strategic importance of India-Romania relations.
President Murmu arrived in Bucharest on the final leg of her three-nation State visit, which also included Moldova and North Macedonia. She was received at the airport by Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana-Silvia Țoiu, before proceeding to the Cotroceni Palace, where she was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour by President Dan.
The visit holds particular diplomatic significance as it marks the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades. Accompanying the President are Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, along with Members of Parliament Dr. Dinesh Sharma and Vijay Baghel.
During one-on-one discussions and delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues for cooperation. President Murmu highlighted that India and Romania have shared a warm and enduring friendship for more than seven decades, built on mutual trust, respect, and strong people-to-people connections.
She noted that the bilateral partnership has evolved steadily over the years and is now entering a new phase characterised by greater ambition, stronger institutional cooperation, and a shared vision for the future.
Economic cooperation emerged as one of the central themes of the discussions. Both countries agreed to encourage greater trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains, and facilitate closer engagement between their respective business communities. The decision to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years reflects the commitment of both governments to expanding economic ties.
President Murmu also described Romania as an important partner for India within the European Union, emphasising that the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has the potential to unlock significant opportunities for industries, businesses, and skilled professionals in both countries.
Beyond economic engagement, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of cultural, educational, and academic exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations. The President welcomed the signing of three important agreements in these sectors, describing them as vital steps towards enhancing long-term people-to-people cooperation.
In the field of science and technology, India and Romania agreed to expand joint research and development activities under the existing Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology. As part of efforts to deepen academic collaboration, an Indian Studies Chair will be established at the University of Bucharest with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Additionally, the Government of India announced that it will double the number of training opportunities available to Romanian professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, further strengthening capacity-building and institutional partnerships between the two countries.
Looking ahead, the leaders also announced plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028 as the “India–Romania Year of Innovation,” reflecting their shared commitment to fostering innovation-driven collaboration and expanding the strategic partnership in the years to come. With agreements spanning commerce, education, research, and cultural exchanges, the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Romania relations while reinforcing India’s growing engagement with Europe.
