President Droupadi Murmu receives a ceremonial welcome in Moldova during the first-ever state visit
Chisinau, July 20
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday was recieved by President of Moldova Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau and accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour upon her arrival.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that the two leaders held productive and forward-looking discussions covering the entire spectrum of our bilateral partnership.
The President said that her state visit, which is the first-ever by an Indian President to the Republic of Moldova, marks a historic milestone and reflects the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.
In a post on X, Rashtrapati Bhavan wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Maia Sandu of Moldova at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau and accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that President Murmu held bilateral talks with her Moldovan counterpart.
Reflecting on the productive talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn held productive bilateral talks with President Maia Sandu of Moldova at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Moldova cooperation and discussed ways to further deepen collaboration. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to unlock new opportunities and expand bilateral ties."
President Murmu landed in Moldova earlier in the day to commence her three-nation European visit, marking a historic milestone as the inaugural visit by an Indian head of state to the Eastern European nation.
The high-level diplomatic itinerary is designed to fortify bilateral cooperation with Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania across key sectors, including commerce, digital technology, and tourism.
During her official engagements in Moldova, President Murmu is slated to conduct bilateral discussions with President Maia Sandu and hold talks with Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.
Furthermore, the President will engage in discussions with the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, deliver a keynote address at a Business Forum, and convene an interaction with the local Indian diaspora.
"On her arrival at Chisinau International Airport, she was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Mihai Popsoi," Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.
Moldova serves as a significant hub for Indian expatriates, hosting approximately 2,000 Indian citizens, including around 1,800 medical students, rendering the Indian demographic one of the most prominent international student contingents nationwide.
Following the conclusion of her single-day visit to Moldova, President Murmu will proceed to North Macedonia for a two-day stay spanning July 21 to 22, registering another diplomatic first for an Indian President.
For the concluding phase of her deployment, she will transit to Romania from July 23 to 25 following an official request by Romanian President Nicuor Dan.
The upcoming segment represents the initial visit by an Indian head of state to Bucharest in over thirty years.
The multi-nation presidential visits underscore New Delhi's strategic imperative to enhance mutual relations and broaden its geopolitical footprint across the expansive Eastern European landscape.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see the President visiting Eastern Europe. But honestly, I wish the government would focus more on domestic issues like inflation and unemployment rather than these lavish foreign trips. The cost of such visits must be astronomical. At least ensure that the medical students in Moldova get better consular support.
First-ever state visit by an Indian President to Moldova—this is historic! 🇮🇳🤝🇲🇩 With 1,800 Indian medical students there, it's about time we strengthened ties. Also, the business forum is a smart move; Moldova could be a gateway to European markets for our startups. Well done, Rashtrapati ji!
As an outsider, I find it interesting that India is investing in relationships with smaller Eastern European nations. It makes strategic sense—diversifying partnerships beyond the usual big players. President Murmu seems to be handling diplomacy with grace. I hope these visits translate into real economic benefits for ordinary Indians.
Lovely to see President Murmu receiving such a warm welcome! The guard of honour looked splendid in the photos. But I do hope our government is also using these trips to address issues faced by Indian students abroad—like visa delays and healthcare access. Still, a commendable effort to boost India's global image. ✨
I appreciate the diplomatic outreach—Moldova is often overlooked in global affairs. But let's be real: with India's massive challenges at home, these visits feel a bit like window dressing. We need more substance, like concrete trade agreements or student exchange programs, not just ceremonial welcomes. Let's see
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.