New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday departed for State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, marking a significant diplomatic outreach to Eastern Europe. The visit is expected to deepen India’s political, economic and strategic engagement with the three countries while opening new avenues for cooperation in trade, technology, healthcare and education.

The tour is historic as it marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova and North Macedonia, and the first presidential visit to Romania in more than three decades.

Historic firsts to boost India’s engagement with Eastern Europe

President Murmu will begin her visit in Moldova on July 20 at the invitation of President Maia Sandu. During the visit, she will hold bilateral talks with the Moldovan President and meet Parliament President Igor Grosu. She is also scheduled to interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address a Business Forum and meet members of the Indian community.

India and Moldova enjoy friendly bilateral relations, and both countries are looking to expand cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology and education.

The President will then travel to North Macedonia from July 21 to 22, where she will meet President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and senior parliamentary leaders. She will also address the Assembly and participate in the India–North Macedonia Business Forum.

The two countries are expected to explore enhanced cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology and IT-enabled services.

Romania visit to focus on trade, investment and strategic partnership

The final leg of the tour will take President Murmu to Romania from July 23 to 25, marking the first visit by an Indian President to the country in over 30 years.

During her stay, she will hold discussions with President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, besides meeting Senate President Mircea Abrudean, Chamber of Deputies President Sorin Grindeanu, members of the Romania-India Parliamentary Friendship Group and representatives of the Indian diaspora.

She will also address the India-Romania Business Forum, where discussions are expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade, investment and business cooperation.

Visit expected to deepen India’s strategic and economic ties

The Ministry of External Affairs said the three-nation visit reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening partnerships with Eastern European countries.

The tour is expected to enhance cooperation across sectors including trade, investment, digital technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, agriculture and innovation, while also strengthening people-to-people ties.

Romania is considered an important partner for India within the European Union, and both sides are expected to discuss opportunities arising from the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which could further boost bilateral economic relations.

The high-level visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s engagement with Eastern Europe and reinforce New Delhi’s broader diplomatic outreach in the region.