President Droupadi Murmu on Monday concluded her historic state visit to Moldova, the first by an Indian head of state to the eastern European country, with talks focused on expanding bilateral ties. The discussions covered trade and investment, reforms of multilateral organisations including the UN Security Council, and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Murmu, who was accompanied by a high-level business delegation from India, also addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum along with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. According to Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George, one of the main focuses of the visit was on the "3Ts - trade, technology and tourism".

At the business forum, Murmu underlined the scope for cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech and digital public infrastructure. She also pointed to opportunities in infrastructure development, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare and logistics.

"India also offers good business opportunities for Moldovan companies for trade and investment. We remain committed to fostering a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly business environment. I invite Moldovan businesses to come and explore India," Murmu said. She also encouraged Indian companies to explore investment opportunities in Moldova.

As part of the visit, Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to Sandu as a special gesture of friendship. She also laid a wreath at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, paying tribute to one of Moldova's most revered national figures.

The President also 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. He also said India and Moldova had finalised a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in higher education, which is expected to be signed shortly.

Later in the evening, Murmu interacted with members of the Indian community and Friends of India. The community welcomed her with warmth and enthusiasm, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a social media post. She also attended a banquet hosted in her honour by Sandu before leaving for North Macedonia on the second leg of her three-nation visit. Her visit to North Macedonia will also be the first by an Indian President to that country. In the final leg of the tour, she will travel to Romania from July 23 to 25 at the invitation of Romanian President Nicusor Dan. Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma and Lok Sabha member Vijay Baghel are part of the official delegation accompanying her.

The visit reaffirmed the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more substantive partnership, with both sides giving attention to trade, technology, education and institutional ties. It also marked a first in bilateral relations before Murmu moved on to the next stops in her three-nation visit.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends

Published By:

India Today Web Desk

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 00:20 IST