Ambassador Dr. Manoj Mohapatra Strengthens India-Moldova Ties During Official Visit to Chișinău
Dr. Manoj Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania and concurrently accredited to the Republic of Moldova, concluded a highly productive official visit to Chișinău from January 11 to 13, 2026. Amid a dynamic series of high-level meetings, the Ambassador fortified bilateral relations across agriculture, finance, infrastructure, environment, culture, energy, education, economy, and labour sectors. These engagements aligned seamlessly with shared Global South priorities, signaling a new chapter in India-Moldova cooperation as both nations navigate geopolitical shifts and economic opportunities in Eastern Europe.
The visit commenced on a high note with a resounding cultural event at the Medical University of Chișinău. This gathering illuminated India's rich, multifaceted heritage, from classical music to contemporary expressions, while solidifying cultural diplomacy. Key programes included structured student engagements, all designed to enhance understanding of their concerns, amplify soft power, and weave enduring people-to-people bonds.
Turning to economic and financial pillars, discussions with Secretary General Mr. Sergiu Gherciu of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, and State Secretary Mr. Ion Gumene of the Ministry of Finance, yielded a comprehensive roadmap. Highlights encompassed technology transfers for sustainable farming practices, Moldovan exports of premium plums and wines to the vast Indian market, and joint ventures tackling food security challenges. Financial accords further enabled co-financed development projects, digital payment interoperability, and robust investment protections, positioning Moldova as a strategic gateway for India's expanding footprint in Central European markets and fostering economic resilience.
Infrastructure, energy, and environmental dialogues proved equally transformative. With Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Mr. Vladimir Bolea, State Secretary for Environment Ms. Aliona Rusnac, and Minister of Energy Mr. Dorin Junghietu, commitments emerged for discussion and studies on road-rail links, smart city initiatives, and Moldova's integration into India's International Solar Alliance. These pacts promised renewable technology infusions, grid modernization, and Indian firm participation in Moldovan renewable projects, diversifying energy sources, combating climate vulnerabilities, and advancing shared green stewardship.
Cultural, educational, and human capital exchanges rounded out the agenda. Meetings with Minister of Culture Mr. Cristian Jardan, Minister of Education and Research Mr. Dan Perciun, and State Secretary for Labour Ms. Felicia Bechtoldt expanded scholarships and film co-productions on shared histories; frameworks for mutual degree recognition, AI-driven research hubs, and teacher exchanges; plus mobility partnership agreements, skilling academies inspired by India's Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and streamlined remittances, equipping Moldovan youth for global success and nurturing future bilateral leaders.
The economic crescendo came in talks with Minister of Economy Mr. Eugeniu Osmochescu, who endorsed ambitious trade targets through e-commerce platforms, SME linkages, tariff eliminations, and dedicated forums in IT and pharmaceuticals. The visit culminated in dynamic interactions with potential investors and business houses, where reflections on India’s robust growth story underpinned invitations for Moldovan ministerial visits and joint participation in premier Indian trade fairs.
This visit exemplifies the maturing India-Moldova strategic partnership, translating diplomatic goodwill into actionable, high-impact collaborations that promise sustained prosperity, security, and cultural enrichment for generations ahead.
