President Murmu wraps up three-nation European visit, departs for New Delhi
Bucharest, July 25
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday concluded a landmark three-nation European visit, securing key diplomatic breakthroughs with Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania to significantly bolster bilateral ties across trade, defence, tourism, and core economic sectors.
The diplomatic engagement marked several historic milestones, establishing Murmu as the first Indian head of state to visit both Moldova and North Macedonia. Her arrival in Romania also marked the first visit by an Indian president to the Eastern European nation in over three decades.
During the final leg of her visit to Romania, which began on July 23, New Delhi and Bucharest agreed to double their trade volume over the next three years while deepening defence cooperation and allied strategic areas. President Murmu held comprehensive talks on bilateral relations with Romanian President Nicusor Dan and separately engaged with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.
She also addressed the India-Romania Business Forum in Bucharest on Friday and interacted with members of the India-Romania Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Recognising her public leadership and international outreach, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies conferred an honorary doctorate upon President Murmu. The "Doctor Honoris Causa" represents the institution's highest academic distinction, awarded to eminent personalities for exceptional contributions to academia, public service and international cooperation.
Before she departed for the airport on Saturday, President Murmu met with members of the Indian diaspora. Romania currently hosts over 13,500 Indian nationals, including approximately 10,000 workers.
Earlier, during her visit to North Macedonia from July 21 to 22, President Murmu held bilateral discussions with President Gordana Sijanovska-Davkova, which were followed by delegation-level talks. Both nations resolved to double bilateral trade figures and identified joint opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and filmmaking.
During her stay in Skopje, Murmu addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia and presided over the inaugural session of the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.
The European visit commenced on July 20 in Moldova, where President Murmu held extensive talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, evaluating the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement.
The two leaders agreed to intensify joint efforts across key sectors, including agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and innovation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see India strengthening relationships in Eastern Europe. Romania alone hosting 13,500 Indians is a significant diaspora connection. But I have to say, these "historic first visits" (first Indian president to Moldova in history, first to Romania in 30 years) suggest we've been neglecting these regions for too long. Hope this isn't just a one-off PR tour but leads to sustained engagement. The honorary doctorate from Bucharest University is a nice touch though.
As someone who tracks foreign policy, this European outreach is smart. While everyone obsesses over India-US or India-China relations, building bridges with smaller nations like North Macedonia and Moldova creates economic footholds and diplomatic goodwill. The focus on doubling bilateral trade and sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and renewable energy aligns perfectly with India's strengths. And President Murmu representing India so gracefully - especially as a tribal woman from Odisha - is an inspiration to millions.
Gotta appreciate the diplomatic hustle - three countries in less than a week is no joke. The India-Romania trade target doubling and defence cooperation are solid outcomes. But let's be real: does the average Indian care about Moldova or North Macedonia? Unless these visits translate into tangible benefits like cheaper imports, more jobs for Indians abroad, or better technology partnerships, it's just expensive tourism for the President. Show me the economic numbers in a year, then I'll cheer.
Fantastic news! President Murmu is doing wonderful work expanding India's global footprint. The fact that she addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia and presided over business forums shows real substance beyond handshakes. Also love how she made time for the Indian diaspora - those 13,500 people in Romania must feel so proud seeing their President. This is the kind of soft power diplomacy that builds long-term relationships. Jai Hind! 🙏
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