India-Moldova relations poised to enter new era of closer engagement: MEA
Chisinau, July 20
The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday stated that the relations between India and Moldova are poised to enter a new era of closer engagement and enduring friendship following President Droupadi Murmu's ongoing State Visit to the Eastern European country.
"India-Moldova relations are poised to enter a new era of closer engagement and enduring friendship. We may also look at it from the angle of expanding India-Europe engagement." said Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA while addressing a special media briefing on the President's State Visit to Moldova.
He also highlighted the importance of engagements with Europe and Moldova in India's journey to become a developed nation by 2047.
"In our Amrit Kaal journey of India, the next 25 years, when India moves by 2047 aspires to become a developed country, a 'Viksit Bharat', in that journey, Europe is an important partner, and Moldova is an important partner that was one of the important elements of our engagement with Moldova and Europe in the last several years," the MEA Secretary stated.
"We look forward to stronger business-to-business partnerships and greater Indian participation in Moldova's economic development and modernisation," he added.
According to Secretary George, India has emerged as an increasingly important economic partner for Moldova, and Indian companies have established a growing presence in Information Technology (IT), pharma, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing.
"Both countries are also exploring cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), innovation, food processing, logistics and skill development, creating significant potential for mutually beneficial investment, employment and sustainable growth," he noted.
Highlighting the emerging importance of engagements in education and capacity building between the two countries, the MEA Secretary announced that India and Moldova have finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of higher education, which would be signed shortly.
He noted that Moldova is already a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an India-led multilateral initiative, and there is growing cooperation under the framework of this alliance.
"Both sides discussed opportunities in solar energy, sustainable technologies and climate-resilient development. President Murmu also invited Moldova to join India's other flagship multilateral initiatives, including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), reflecting the growing convergence between our two countries on sustainable development priorities," Secretary George emphasised.
The reform of multilateral organisations particularly the United Nations (UN), also came up during their discussions. They also discussed the importance of the fight against global terrorism.
President Murmu will also interact with members of the Indian community and friends of India in Moldova during the visit. A state banquet will be held later today in honour of the visiting President.
"This interaction will celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship between the people of two countries and reaffirm the importance of people-to-people ties as an important element of India-Moldova relations," noted Secretary George.
"The State Visit reaffirmed the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more substantive partnership rooted in democratic values, mutual respect and a common aspiration of peace and prosperity," he highlighted.
President Murmu Invited Moldovan President Maia Sandu to visit India at a mutually convenient date.
As a special gesture of friendship, President Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to President Sandu during their interactions earlier in the day.
"The bust will stand as an enduring symbol of the universal relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's message," the MEA Secretary mentioned.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see India strengthening ties with Eastern Europe. Moldova is a small but strategic country. With India's tech expertise and Moldova's agricultural base, there's real potential for win-win collaboration. The focus on solar energy and DPI is smart. 🇮🇳🇲🇩
Finally, our foreign policy is looking beyond just the big powers. A 'Viksit Bharat' needs friends everywhere. Moldova joining ISA was a good start. Hope the higher education MoU leads to student exchanges and research collaborations. 🙏
As someone who follows global affairs, this is a logical move. India's IT and pharma strengths are needed everywhere. But I hope the government also focuses on domestic issues that need urgent attention. Diplomacy is important, but so is development at home.
The Gandhi bust gesture is classic Indian diplomacy. But honestly, we should be pushing more concrete deals. Moldova's wine industry is world-class; imagine Indian-Moldovan joint ventures in food processing and logistics. That's the kind of 'Amrit Kaal' partnership we need. 👌
It's heartening to see President Murmu's state visit getting such coverage. Moldova might be small, but every friend counts in today's world. The focus on renewable energy and digital infrastructure aligns well with both countries' priorities. Good step forward.
I appreciate the effort, but I wish our leaders would also focus on strengthening ties within our own neighbourhood. SAARC is practically dead. Europe is important, yes, but we can't ignore our backyard. Balance is key. Just my two rupees. 🤔
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