Embassy of India
Bucharest
PRESS RELEASE
Subject: Ambassador’s Engagements in Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Bistrița Strengthen India–Romania Academic and Industrial Cooperation
The Ambassador of India to Romania, accompanied by Dr. Vikas Kumar Sabata, Joint Director of International Relations at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, undertook a series of engagements in Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Bistrița aimed at strengthening India–Romania cooperation in higher education, innovation, industry, and community engagement.
Academic Engagements in Timișoara
In Timișoara, the Ambassador and Dr. Sabata held substantive discussions with Prof. Univ. Dr. Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, Rector of the Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral academic cooperation and identifying new pathways for collaboration between Indian and Romanian institutions. Discussions emphasized expanding student mobility, promoting joint research initiatives, and fostering institutional partnerships that support innovation and knowledge exchange.
The delegation also engaged in a strategic dialogue with Dr. Ing. Florin Drăgan, Rector of Universitatea Politehnica din Timișoara. The discussions explored opportunities for strengthening academic synergy through student exchanges, collaborative research programmes, and partnerships in emerging fields of science and technology. Both sides highlighted the importance of aligning academic cooperation with industry needs and future-oriented skill development.
In a further engagement facilitated by the Embassy of India, Dr. Vikas Kumar Sabata met with Prof. Dr. Octavian-Marius Crețu, Rector of the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara. Discussions underscored a shared commitment to deepening academic cooperation, particularly in the field of medical education, through joint research initiatives, enhanced student mobility, and collaborative training programmes. The interaction identified promising avenues for long-term institutional collaboration.
Academic Engagements in Cluj-Napoca
In Cluj-Napoca, Dr. Vikas Kumar Sabata held a series of productive meetings with leading academic institutions, further advancing India–Romania educational collaboration.
He met with Mr. Marian Tăulescu, Vice Rector for International Affairs at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV), where discussions focused on strengthening academic cooperation, enhancing international partnerships, and exploring opportunities for student exchanges and joint academic programmes.
Dr. Sabata also met with Prof. Cristian Săcărea and Prof. Mihaela Gligor, Vice Rectors of Babeș-Bolyai University, to exchange views on expanding institutional collaboration, promoting academic dialogue, and identifying new avenues for joint initiatives and partnerships across disciplines.
In addition, Dr. Sabata met with Prof. Adrian Groza, Vice Rector of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, at the AI Research Institute. Discussions centered on collaboration in artificial intelligence, innovation, and applied research, with a focus on fostering partnerships in cutting-edge technological domains.
Engagements in Bistrița: Local Cooperation and Industrial Partnerships
In Bistrița, the Ambassador met with Hon’ble Mayor Mr. Gabriel Lazany to explore avenues for strengthening local cooperation and advancing India–Romania economic and investment partnerships. The discussions focused on promoting business linkages, encouraging Indian investment, and identifying sectors of mutual interest for collaboration. The Ambassador extended a warm invitation for a business delegation led by the Mayor to visit India, aimed at further enhancing trade and economic engagement.
The Ambassador also visited the COMELF factory, a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment, where he was briefed on the company’s advanced industrial capabilities and production processes. Discussions highlighted promising opportunities to strengthen India–Romania manufacturing partnerships, enhance supply chain integration, and explore joint ventures leveraging the strengths of both countries in engineering, technology, and industrial production.
During the visit, the Ambassador interacted with over 200 Indian workers employed at the COMELF factory, appreciating their valuable contributions to Romania’s industrial growth and economic development. He acknowledged their role in strengthening the people-to-people dimension of India–Romania relations and reaffirmed the Embassy’s continued support for the Indian community. Responding to their request, the Ambassador announced that celebrations of India’s Independence Day would be organized at the factory in August 2026, further fostering a sense of community and cultural connection.
The visit underscored India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Romania through enhanced academic collaboration, growing industrial engagement, and active support for the Indian diaspora. It also highlighted the expanding scope of cooperation across education, innovation, manufacturing, and community relations, reinforcing the strong and dynamic ties between the two countries.
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Bucharest
10 April 2026
