New Delhi, 17 July (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu will undertake State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from July 19 to July 25, during which she will hold bilateral discussions with the top leadership of the three countries to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and several other key sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that President Murmu will arrive in Moldova on July 20 at the invitation of President Maia Sandu. The visit will be the first ever by an Indian President to Moldova.

During her stay, President Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with President Maia Sandu and meet Speaker of the Parliament Igor Grosu. She will also interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address the India-Moldova Business Forum, and engage with members of the Indian community.

According to the MEA, India and Moldova share warm and friendly relations, and the visit is expected to mark a historic step towards elevating bilateral ties into a broader partnership. Both countries see significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information technology, and education.

On July 21 and 22, President Murmu will undertake a State Visit to North Macedonia at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. This will also be the first visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia.

During the visit, she will hold meetings with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and the Speaker of the Assembly. She will also address the Assembly of North Macedonia and participate in the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.

The Ministry said both countries are keen to expand economic cooperation in priority sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, information technology, and IT-enabled services (ITeS).

President Murmu will then travel to Romania for a State Visit from July 23 to July 25 at the invitation of President Nicușor Dan. This will be the first visit by an Indian President to Romania in more than three decades.

During her visit, President Murmu will meet President Nicușor Dan, Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Senate President Mircea Abrudean, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu, and members of the Romania-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. She will also address the India-Romania Business Forum and interact with members of the Indian community.

The MEA noted that Romania is an important partner for India within the European Union. It added that the expected conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is likely to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.

According to the Ministry, President Murmu's three-nation tour reflects India's growing engagement with Eastern Europe and underscores New Delhi's commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding strategic partnerships with countries across the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar