Indian president makes historic first state visit to Moldova

Moldova and India have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in strategic sectors, including trade, investment, renewable energy, education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and emerging technologies.

The commitments were announced during a joint press conference in Chisinau on Monday by Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who is paying the first-ever visit to Moldova by an Indian head of state since diplomatic relations were established 34 years ago, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

Sandu described the visit as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

"Today is a special day for the Republic of Moldova. For the first time since our diplomatic relations were established 34 years ago, an Indian head of state is visiting our country. Your visit is an honor for us and a sign of respect for our country and our citizens," Sandu said.

She noted that political dialogue between the two countries has accelerated in recent years, highlighting the resumption of bilateral political consultations in 2024 after a 21-year pause, the opening of Moldova's embassy in New Delhi, India's decision to open its market to Moldovan apples, and Moldova's accession to the International Solar Alliance.

Sandu said Moldova aims to translate the growing partnership into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses by expanding trade, attracting investment, and strengthening cooperation in energy, education, and healthcare.

She also emphasized that Moldova's ongoing negotiations to join the European Union could make the country an attractive gateway for Indian companies seeking access to European markets, creating new investment opportunities and jobs.

Energy cooperation was identified as another priority. Sandu noted that an Indian company constructed the Vulcănești–Chișinău high-voltage transmission line, a strategic project designed to strengthen Moldova's energy security, which is currently in its final testing phase before becoming operational.

President Murmu described her visit as a historic moment reflecting the steady development of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

Although geographically distant, she said, India and Moldova have maintained warm relations through political dialogue, development partnerships, educational exchanges, and international cooperation.

Murmu said both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in medicine, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

She stressed that economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership, with both governments committed to expanding trade, strengthening supply chain resilience, and encouraging closer cooperation between business communities. The Moldova–India Business Forum, held alongside the visit, is expected to further boost commercial ties.

Education also remains a key pillar of bilateral relations. Around 1,400 Indian students are currently studying in Moldova, most of them at the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Murmu announced that India will double the number of scholarships and specialized training opportunities available to professionals from Moldova while also expanding academic exchanges and institutional partnerships between universities.

Sandu added that negotiations on a new bilateral agreement on higher education cooperation have been completed and that the document is expected to be signed soon.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, with Moldovan diplomats expected to participate in training programs in India focused on artificial intelligence and cyber diplomacy.

During their talks, the two presidents also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and respect for international law.

Murmu reiterated India's position that international conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, stating that India has consistently supported peaceful solutions.

At the conclusion of the visit, Murmu invited President Sandu to make an official visit to India.

Relations between Moldova and India have expanded significantly in recent years. Moldova reopened bilateral political consultations with India in 2024, inaugurated its embassy in New Delhi later that year, and in early 2025 India officially opened its market to Moldovan apples. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies and is becoming an increasingly important strategic partner for Moldova.

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