President Murmu Wraps Up Historic Moldova Visit, Pushes Trade and Investment Ties

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday concluded her historic state visit to Moldova, becoming the first Indian head of state to visit the eastern European country. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic engagement and exploring new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, technology and tourism.

Addressing the India-Moldova Business Forum alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Murmu highlighted the significant potential for collaboration between Indian and Moldovan businesses. She identified sectors including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech and digital public infrastructure as promising areas for deeper cooperation.

The President also pointed to opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare and logistics. She invited Moldovan companies to explore India's business opportunities, emphasising the country's commitment to maintaining a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly environment. Indian companies were, in turn, encouraged to consider investment opportunities in Moldova.

The two countries also discussed cooperation on reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, as well as efforts to combat terrorism. India and Moldova have also finalised a memorandum of understanding on higher education cooperation, which is expected to be signed shortly.

A key focus of the visit was the "3Ts"-trade, technology and tourism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The engagements were aimed at broadening economic ties while strengthening institutional and people-to-people connections.

As a gesture of friendship, Murmu presented President Sandu with a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. She also paid tribute to Moldova's national figure Stephen the Great by laying a wreath at his monument and met Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The visit concluded with a banquet hosted by President Sandu and an interaction with the Indian community and Friends of India. Murmu then departed for North Macedonia, the second leg of her three-nation European tour. She is scheduled to visit Romania from July 23 to 25, marking another significant diplomatic outreach by India in Europe.