President Droupadi Murmu on Monday held bilateral talks with President Maia Sandu of Moldova during the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to the East European nation, marking a significant milestone in India-Moldova relations.
President Murmu, who arrived in Chisinau on the first leg of her State Visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, was received at Chisinau International Airport by Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi.
At the Presidential Palace, President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour before holding one-to-one discussions with President Sandu, followed by delegation-level talks. The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and discussed ways to expand cooperation across key sectors.
Describing the visit as a historic milestone, President Murmu said it reflected the growing friendship and mutual trust between India and Moldova. She noted that despite the geographical distance, the two countries have shared warm and friendly relations for over three decades, anchored in their common commitment to peace, development and international cooperation.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with the Indian President highlighting the need to boost bilateral trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains, improve connectivity and encourage greater engagement between the business communities of the two countries.
President Murmu also announced India’s decision to double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Moldovan professionals, including specialised courses in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. She also invited Moldovan diplomats to participate in specialised courses on artificial intelligence and cyber diplomacy at India’s Foreign Service Institute.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, Digital Public Infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address global challenges and contribute to a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.
