President Murmu pays respect at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bucharest
Bucharest, July 24
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday paid her respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Romania's Bucharest before the conclusion of the last leg of her three-nation Europe visit.
"President Droupadi Murmu paid her respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Bucharest, Romania. The monument embodies Romania's gratitude to its fallen soldiers and is a national symbol of patriotism, unity, and peace," the President's Secretariat wrote on X.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu addressed the India-Romania Business Forum at Bucharest in the presence of President Nicusor Dan of Romania, members of the Government of Romania, business leaders from India and Romania and representatives of Industry Associations of India and Romania.
"The President said that the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' aims to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of our Independence. This journey presents immense opportunities for international partnerships, investment and technology collaboration. She urged Romanian companies to participate actively in India's growth story," the President's Secretariat noted on X.
"With a combined market of nearly two billion people and an economic size of around 25 trillion dollars, the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is among the most significant economic partnerships in the world and aims at deepening trade integration, strengthening investment flows, and building resilient and diversified supply chains," the President's Secretariat stated after the forum.
She emphasised that the early and effective implementation of the FTA will be crucial. It will provide a predictable environment for businesses, enhance value chain integration, and create new opportunities for MSMEs, startups, and innovators on both sides.
According to the President, India's globally recognised Digital Public Infrastructure, thriving start-up ecosystem and leadership in information technology can complement Romania's strengths in software engineering, cyber-security, research and advanced technologies.
The President expressed confidence that business communities of India and Romania will seize these emerging opportunities and transform them into successful commercial partnerships. She urged Romanian companies to participate actively in India's growth story.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The President's focus on the India-EU FTA and Viksit Bharat 2047 shows our strategic vision. Glad to see Romania being actively courted for trade and tech partnerships. Business diplomacy at its best!
Respecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a universal gesture of honour. India's soft power continues to grow through such cultural diplomacy.
The Business Forum points are crucial—India's DPI and startup ecosystem can definitely benefit from Romania's cybersecurity and engineering strengths. But we need to ensure the FTA benefits our MSMEs and farmers too, not just big corporates. Let's negotiate wisely.
A respectful visit, but I wish our leaders highlighted more concrete outcomes—like a timeline for the FTA or specific investment commitments. Symbolism is good, but results matter more. Still, proud to see our President representing India with dignity.
The 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' holds deep meaning in many cultures. It's touching to see President Murmu honouring the sacrifices of Romanian soldiers, just as we honour our own. Small gestures build lasting friendships.
Viksit Bharat 2047 is ambitious, but to achieve it we need more than speeches—we need robust implementation. The FTA with the EU could be a game-changer if we get
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.