Murmu and Sandu boost trade ties on first Indian presidential visit to Moldova

President Droupadi Murmu and President Maia Sandu agreed to deepen India-Moldova cooperation across trade, technology and education. The visit, the first by an Indian President to Moldova, underscored growing trust and a wider strategic partnership.

In Short

• The leaders reviewed bilateral progress and mapped priority sectors for future cooperation
• India will double ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals in emerging technologies
• Agriculture, healthcare, logistics, infrastructure and renewable energy featured in discussions

President Droupadi Murmu and Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Monday agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains and improve connectivity, as the two countries sought to deepen bilateral ties. Murmu said economic cooperation remains a key pillar of the partnership during her visit to Moldova, the first by an Indian President.

Murmu held what she described as productive and forward-looking discussions with Sandu, covering the full range of bilateral ties. She said the visit marked a historic milestone in relations and reflected the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

In a press statement, Murmu said, "Economic cooperation remains an important pillar of our partnership. We agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains, improve connectivity and encourage closer engagement between our business communities." She said the India-Moldova Business Forum, being held on the margins of the visit, would go a long way in energising trade and investment ties.

The President said the two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, Digital Public Infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovation. She said India and Moldova had enjoyed warm and friendly relations for more than three decades and that, despite the geographical distance, the partnership had steadily grown through a shared commitment to peace, development and international cooperation.

Murmu said both countries reviewed progress made in recent years and agreed to deepen cooperation in sectors important for the growth, prosperity and well-being of their people. She said they discussed expanding educational exchanges and institutional partnerships, and announced that India would double the number of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals, including specialised courses in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Referring to wider developments, Murmu said she exchanged views with Sandu on regional and global issues and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, dialogue and respect for international law. "We agreed to continue working together to address common global challenges and contribute to a peaceful, stable and prosperous world. India has consistently supported early resolution of all conflicts, disputes and tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. We have always stood by the side of peace," she said.

About 2,000 Indian nationals, including around 1,800 medical students, live in Moldova, making India one of the largest foreign student communities in the Eastern European country. Murmu was received on arrival at Chisinau International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, and later accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour by Sandu at the Presidential Palace.

The Moldova visit is part of Murmu's three-nation tour of Europe aimed at boosting ties in trade, technology, tourism and other sectors. After her day-long trip to Moldova, she will visit North Macedonia from July 21 to 22, in what will be the first visit by an Indian President to that country, and then Romania from July 23 to 25 at the invitation of President Nicusor Dan, the first such visit in more than three decades. Union Minister of State Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma and Lok Sabha member Vijay Baghel are part of the official delegation accompanying her.

With PTI Inputs

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