Embassy of India
Bucharest
Press Release
Subject: Ambassador of India Reinforces Expanding India–Moldova Partnership During Official Visit to Chișinău
Ambassador of India to Romania and concurrently accredited to the Republic of Moldova, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, concluded a substantive official visit to Chisinau from 8–9 May 2026. During the visit, he held high-level engagements with Moldovan government officials, international financial institutions, regulatory authorities, municipal leadership, and the Indian student community. The visit reflected the growing dynamism of India–Moldova relations and reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, investment, digitalization, labour mobility, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
Political and institutional consultations underscored the importance both countries attach to sustained diplomatic engagement and enhanced bilateral coordination. During discussions with Mr. Sergiu Mihov, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, both sides reviewed the evolving trajectory of bilateral relations and explored cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development. Discussions also covered the proposed bilateral consultations, participation of Indian companies in Moldova’s development initiatives, including the forthcoming EU–Moldova Investment Conference, and progress relating to the proposed Social Security Agreement.
Energy cooperation emerged as a major pillar of the visit, reflecting growing convergence in sustainable development and green transition priorities. During meetings with Mr. Vitalie Mita, State Secretary, Ministry of Energy, and officials of the National Agency for Energy Regulation, discussions focused on renewable energy cooperation, including wind energy projects, battery storage solutions, and opportunities for Indian companies in Moldova’s evolving energy sector. The Moldovan side appreciated the contribution of Indian companies, particularly KEC International, towards infrastructure development in Moldova.
Economic cooperation, investment facilitation, and industrial engagement formed another significant dimension of the visit. During meetings with Mr. Eugeniu Osmochescu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Mr. Oleg Bivol, Secretary of State, and Mr. Ulrich Schmitt of the International Finance Corporation, discussions highlighted opportunities for enhanced Indian economic engagement in Moldova. Both sides explored cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, railways, logistics, agriculture, and digital transformation, while emphasizing investor-friendly frameworks and the proposed India–Moldova Business Meet.
Labour mobility, skills development, and social protection cooperation also featured prominently during the visit. In discussions with Ms. Felicia Bechtold, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, both sides reviewed progress relating to the proposed Social Security Agreement and Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between India and Moldova. Discussions further covered structured labour mobility frameworks, skills development cooperation, and participation of Moldovan officials in ITEC training programmes, reflecting the shared commitment towards institutional capacity building and mutually beneficial workforce partnerships.
At the municipal level, the Ambassador held substantive discussions with Mr. Ion Ceban, Mayor of Chisinau, on strengthening municipal cooperation, smart city initiatives, cultural engagement, and people-to-people exchanges. The Mayor expressed support for organizing India’s Independence Day celebrations in Chișinău in August 2026 and welcomed greater promotion of Indian culture and traditions across Moldova. The discussions reflected the growing warmth, goodwill, and cultural affinity between the peoples of India and the Republic of Moldova.
The visit concluded on a vibrant note with the organisation of the cultural event “Disha 2026,” bringing together Indian students pursuing higher education across Moldova. The event showcased India’s rich cultural heritage through classical and contemporary artistic performances while strengthening cultural diplomacy and community engagement. Graced by Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra and Mr. Ion Ceban, Mayor of Chisinau, the programme highlighted the growing educational and cultural linkages between India and Moldova and reinforced enduring people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The visit reinforces the steady advancement and growing maturity of the India–Moldova partnership and reflected the shared resolve of both countries to further expand bilateral cooperation, deepen economic engagement, and promote sustainable, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial collaboration across priority sectors.
*****
Bucharest
10th May 2026
