Embassy of India, Bucharest

to Romania and Moldova

Secretary’s Press Briefing on the State Visit of the Hon’ble President of India to the Republic of Moldova

Good afternoon. Welcome to the official briefing.

1. At the invitation of H.E. Ms. Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu is currently on a State Visit to the Republic of Moldova. The visit marks a historic milestone in India-Moldova relations, being the first-ever visit by a President of India to the Republic of Moldova since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. It reflects the growing warmth, trust and dynamism of the partnership, and opens a new and promising chapter of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
2. Today morning, Hon'ble President was received by H.E. Mr. Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova on arrival at the Chisinau Airport. She was given a ceremonial state welcome at the Presidential Palace.
3. Hon’ble President held bilateral discussions with Hon’ble President Ms. Maia Sandu. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Moldova relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, digital transformation, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, culture and capacity building. Both sides discussed importance of reforms of Multilateral Organisations including the UNSC. Their discussions underscored the shared commitment of the two democracies to a forward-looking, people-centred and mutually beneficial partnership.
4. As a special gesture of friendship, the Hon’ble President presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to Hon’ble President Ms. Maia Sandu. The bust will stand as an enduring symbol of the universal relevance of Gandhiji’s message of peace, non-violence, truth, harmony and human dignity.
5. The Hon’ble President laid a wreath at the Monument of Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt, paying a tribute to one of Moldova’s most revered national figures.
6. The Hon’ble President also met H.E. Mr. Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, and interacted with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group. These engagements highlighted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding, strengthening institutional linkages and bringing the two democratic societies closer together.
7. Together with Hon’ble President Ms. Maia Sandu, the Hon’ble President jointly addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum. The Forum brought together leading business representatives from both countries to explore fresh opportunities in trade, investment, innovation, and technology. One of the most important focus of the visit is on 3Ts. In our Amrit Kal journey as India marches towards becoming a developed country by 2047. We consider Europe as an important partner; Moldova as an important partner. We look forward to stronger business-to-business partnerships and greater Indian participation in Moldova’s economic development and modernisation.
8. India has emerged as an increasingly important economic partner for Moldova. Indian companies have established a growing presence in information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing. Both countries are also exploring cooperation in digital public infrastructure, innovation, food processing, logistics and skills development, creating significant potential for mutually beneficial investment, employment and sustainable growth.
9. During the Business Forum Indian companies expressed interest in participating in Moldova's ongoing economic modernisation and infrastructure development. Business representatives from both countries expressed interest in expanding commercial partnerships. The business delegation from India comprises of around 20 members including representatives of FICCI and CII and businesses across various sectors including Agritech, AI & IT, Consulting, Defence, E-commerce & Exports, Engineering & Construction, Hospitality, Human Resources & Workforce Solutions, Metals & Manufacturing, Pharma & Healthcare and Venture Capital & Investments.
10. Education and capacity building are emerging as another important pillar of partnership. The two sides have finalized an MoU on cooperation in the field of Higher Education which is ready for signing in the near future. Around two thousand Indian students are currently pursuing higher education, particularly medical studies, in Moldova.
11. Government of India has also accepted Moldova’s proposal for the recognition of Moldovan Veterinary degrees which will benefit students of Moldova by expanding their professional opportunities.
12. Hon'ble President also announced the doubling of ITEC training slots for Moldova (from 5 to 10), including specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence. In addition, Moldova has been offered to participate in the forthcoming Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy.
13. Moldova is already a member of International Solar Alliance, an India-led multilateral initiative. There is growing cooperation under the framework of ISA. Both sides discussed opportunities in solar energy, sustainable technologies and climate-resilient development. Hon’ble President also invited Moldova to join India's other flagship multilateral initiatives, including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), reflecting the convergence between our countries on sustainable development priorities.
14. Later today, Hon’ble President will interact with members of the Indian community and Friends of India in Moldova. This interaction will celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries and reaffirm the importance of people-to-people ties as a vital pillar of India–Moldova relations.
15. The Hon’ble President will also attend a State Banquet hosted in her honour by Hon’ble President Ms. Maia Sandu.
16. The State Visit reaffirmed the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more substantive partnership. Rooted in democratic values, mutual respect and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity, India-Moldova relations are poised to enter a new era of closer engagement and enduring friendship.

Hon'ble President also invited the President of Moldova to visit India at a mutually convenient date.

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