Murmu's first Moldova visit puts UN reforms, trade ties in focus

President Droupadi Murmu and Moldovan President Maia Sandu held talks on bilateral ties, UN reforms and counter-terror cooperation. The visit marked a first for an Indian head of state and signalled a broader push on trade, technology and education.

In Short

• Both leaders reviewed cooperation across digital transformation, healthcare, agriculture and culture
• Counter-terror coordination and UN Security Council reforms figured prominently in talks
• Murmu gifted a Mahatma Gandhi bust, symbolising peace and enduring friendship

India and Moldova discussed reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UN Security Council, and cooperation in the fight against terrorism during President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to the Eastern European country on Monday, a top Indian diplomat said. The visit, the first by an Indian head of state to Moldova since diplomatic relations were established in 1992, also focused on expanding ties in trade, investment, technology, education and other sectors.

Briefing reporters on the outcome of the visit, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said it reflected the "growing warmth, trust and dynamism" of the partnership and opened "a new and promising chapter of bilateral cooperation" between the two countries. Murmu held bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of ties while exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, digital transformation, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, culture and capacity building.

George said, "They also discussed cooperation in (the) fight against terrorism. Both sides discussed (the) importance of reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UNSC." He said the discussions underscored the shared commitment of the two democracies to a forward-looking, people-centred and mutually beneficial partnership. As a special gesture of friendship, Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to Sandu. George said, "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." The President also laid a wreath at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, paying tribute to one of Moldova's most revered national figures.

During her day-long visit, Murmu met Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, and interacted with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group. George said these engagements highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding, strengthening institutional linkages and bringing the two democratic societies closer together.

Later, Murmu and Sandu jointly addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum, which brought together leading business representatives from both countries to explore fresh opportunities in trade, investment, innovation and technology. George said one of the most important focus areas of the visit was the 3Ts — trade, technology and tourism. "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," he said.

George said India has emerged as an increasingly important economic partner for Moldova, with Indian companies expanding their presence in information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing. He said both countries were 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. During the forum, business representatives from both sides expressed interest in expanding commercial partnerships. The Indian business delegation had around 20 members, including representatives of FICCI and CII, and companies from sectors such as agritech, IT, consulting, defence, e-commerce, exports, engineering, construction, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, venture capital and investments.

Education and capacity building are also emerging as an important pillar of the partnership. George said, "The two sides have finalized an MoU on cooperation in the field of Higher Education which is ready for signing in the near future." He added that around 2,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education, particularly medical studies, in Moldova. "The 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," he said.

Summing up the visit, George said, "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." Murmu also invited Sandu to visit India at a mutually convenient date.

With PTI Inputs

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