Embassy of India
Bucharest
Press Release
India-Romania Economic Partnership Advances: Ambassador Mohapatra Engages Arad County Leaders on Investment Opportunities in Strategic Special Economic Zone
Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania, visited Arad County of Romania and met with key Arad County officials, including Mr. Iustin Cionca, President of Arad County Council, Mr. Glad Varga, Senator of Arad, and Mr. Ionescu Aurel, Vice President of Arad Chamber of Commerce. The dialogue underscored the mutual resolve to deepen economic cooperation, harnessing Arad's unique advantages to attract Indian investments and foster bilateral trade growth.
Arad occupies a pivotal geographical position in western Romania, bordering Hungary and serving as a critical node along Pan-European Transport Corridor IV, which links major European hubs from Germany through Hungary to Turkey. This connectivity, coupled with excellent rail and road infrastructure, including proximity to Timișoara International Airport and the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea, renders Arad an ideal logistics and manufacturing base for Indian companies seeking efficient entry into the European Union market. The Arad Special Economic Zone (SEZ), equipped with modern facilities, tax incentives, and streamlined regulations, further amplifies these benefits, positioning it as a prime destination for sectors like automotive components, electronics, textiles, and renewable energy equipment where Indian firms excel.
India and Romania enjoy a multifaceted bilateral relationship rooted in shared democratic values, historical goodwill, and expanding economic synergy. Diplomatic ties, elevated through frequent high-level visits and the 19th India-Romania Joint Committee Meeting on Economic Cooperation, have propelled trade volumes beyond €1 billion annually, with robust growth in IT services, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure projects, and defense collaboration. Cultural exchanges, such as Diwali celebrations and Hindi language promotions in Romania, complement these efforts, while emerging domains like artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and sustainable agriculture hold immense untapped potential. This partnership aligns with both India's and Romania's resolve for greater partnerships, creating win-win opportunities for mutual prosperity.
In a key outcome, Ambassador Mohapatra extended an official invitation for a delegation led by President Cionca to visit India, enabling direct interactions with Indian business leaders and government stakeholders. The parties committed to hosting a targeted Business-to-Business (B2B) forum in the second half of January or early February 2026. During this event, Arad representatives will present tailored opportunities within the SEZ to Indian companies expressing keen interest in Romanian investments, emphasizing local supply chain integration, skilled workforce availability, and EU-compliant manufacturing capabilities.
This engagement exemplifies the dynamic momentum in India-Romania relations, promising job creation, technology transfer, and innovation-driven growth. It reinforces Arad's role as a bridge for Indian enterprises into Europe, while advancing Romania's appeal as a reliable partner for India's global ambitions.
Separately, the Ambassador visited injured Indian national Mr. Rakesh Kumar, who is undergoing treatment at Casa Austria Hospital, and interacted with both the patient and the attending doctors. The Ambassador conveyed his best wishes to Mr. Kumar and wished him a speedy recovery.
The Ambassador also met with Dr. Nilima Rajpal Kundnani, a local Indian community leader, to discuss proposed plans and activities for 2026, with particular emphasis on the welfare of the Indian community in Timișoara. The discussions focused on strengthening community support mechanisms, promoting cultural and social initiatives, and enhancing engagement between the Embassy and the Indian diaspora. Views were exchanged on organizing cultural events, community programs, and collaborative activities in 2026 aimed at promoting Indian culture and supporting the well-being and integration of the Indian community in Timișoara.
Romania
December 31, 2025
