New Delhi, July 17: President Droupadi Murmu of India will embark on a state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania from July 19 to 25, 2026. The primary aim of this tour is to enhance India’s political, economic, trade, and technological relations with these European nations.
During a special press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal discussed the itinerary for President Murmu’s European visit. He was joined by Secretary (West) Sibi George, the President’s Press Secretary Dr. Manisha Verma, and Joint Secretary Alpona Dubey from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Secretary George noted that this visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian President will travel to Moldova and North Macedonia. Additionally, it will be the first state visit by an Indian President to Romania in over 30 years, the last being in 1994.
George emphasized that this trip highlights India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central and Eastern European countries. It also represents a crucial step in advancing India’s broader partnership with Europe and the European Union. The tour aims to rejuvenate relations with Europe and enhance collaboration in the areas of trade, technology, and tourism.
He further explained that this will be the first visit by an Indian President to Moldova since diplomatic relations were established. Moldova opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2023, making this visit historically and politically significant, showcasing India’s ongoing efforts to bolster ties with Eastern Europe.
During her visit, President Murmu will engage in bilateral and delegation-level discussions with the President of Moldova, who will host a dinner in her honor. She is also scheduled to meet with Moldova’s Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament, as well as members of the parliamentary friendship group. Additionally, she will interact with business representatives and the Indian community, addressing a business forum alongside Moldova’s President.
This visit will provide an opportunity to review the relationship between the two countries comprehensively and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and investment, digital technology, innovation, renewable energy, health, education, agriculture, culture, and connectivity. The goal is to foster a broad partnership that extends beyond just political ties.
Regarding her visit to North Macedonia, Secretary George stated that it will also be historic as it marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian President to that country. The Prime Minister of North Macedonia visited India in 2012 and attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January 2015, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. North Macedonia opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2008.
During her stay, President Murmu will hold bilateral and delegation-level talks with the President of North Macedonia, who will also host a dinner in her honor. She will meet with the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament, as well as engage with business representatives and the Indian community, addressing a business forum with the Prime Minister.
Concerning her visit to Romania, Secretary George mentioned that this will be the first presidential visit in nearly three decades, the last being by then-President Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1994. Previous Indian Presidents, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and V.V. Giri, also visited Bucharest.
During her visit, President Murmu will engage in bilateral and delegation-level discussions with the President of Romania, who will host a dinner in her honor. She will also meet with Romania’s Prime Minister, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. Furthermore, she will address a business forum alongside the Romanian President and interact with business representatives and the Indian community.
India and Romania have maintained friendly relations based on mutual respect, democratic values, and regular cooperation on international platforms. Political contacts between the two nations remain strong. Romania played a crucial role in safely evacuating Indian students during the Ukraine crisis. Trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing, reaching approximately $1.3 billion by 2025. Economic ties are also growing rapidly, with Indian companies active in sectors such as IT, automotive parts, steel, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
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