India, Romania Target Doubling Bilateral Trade in Three Years

India and Romania on Thursday agreed to double bilateral trade within the next three years while expanding cooperation in defence, Artificial Intelligence (AI), renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, as President Droupadi Murmu held wide-ranging talks with her Romanian counterpart Nicușor Dan during her state visit.

The discussions marked a significant milestone in bilateral ties, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic, strategic and technological cooperation. The visit is the first by an Indian Head of State to Romania in more than three decades, underscoring New Delhi's growing engagement with Eastern Europe and the European Union (EU).

Addressing a joint press interaction, President Murmu said both countries reviewed progress in bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation across priority sectors. Economic collaboration remained a key focus, with both sides committing to promote trade and investment, build resilient supply chains and encourage stronger business-to-business partnerships. Romania's strategic location on the Black Sea and its membership of the EU and NATO make it an important gateway for Indian businesses seeking greater access to European markets.

Defence emerged as another major pillar of the partnership. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation through regular military exchanges, training programmes, capacity building and closer engagement between their defence industries, complementing India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Beyond trade and defence, India and Romania agreed to expand collaboration in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, green hydrogen, renewable energy, agriculture, fertilisers, science and technology, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI. President Murmu noted that the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement would create fresh opportunities for industries, investments and skilled professionals.

The leaders also announced measures to deepen educational and cultural ties. An Indian Studies Chair will be established at the University of Bucharest with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), while the two countries will expand joint research under the Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology. An MoU on sports cooperation was also signed.

In a major capacity-building initiative, India will double training opportunities for Romanian professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, including specialised courses in Artificial Intelligence. Romanian diplomats will also receive training in AI and Cyber Diplomacy through India's Foreign Service Institute.

Both nations reaffirmed cooperation under the International Solar Alliance (ISA), while Romania expressed its intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to celebrate 2028, marking 80 years of diplomatic relations, as the "India–Romania Year of Innovation."

The two presidents also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, dialogue and respect for international law in addressing global challenges.