President Murmu Says India’s Philosophy Promotes Bridges Over Barriers

SKOPJE (North Macedonia), Jul 22: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said India’s civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam offers a message of unity in an increasingly divided world, urging nations to strengthen cooperation instead of creating barriers.

Addressing the Assembly of North Macedonia during her two-day state visit the first by an Indian President to the country Murmu said lasting global peace and prosperity can only be achieved through collaboration.

She noted that the ancient Indian belief that “the world is one family” remains relevant at a time when geopolitical conflicts and economic fragmentation continue to challenge international stability.

The President also underlined the democratic values shared by India and North Macedonia, describing democracy as more than a political framework. According to her, it is a common belief that reflects the aspirations of citizens and strengthens the institutions that safeguard freedom and the rule of law.

Murmu said India’s Parliament represents the voices of more than 1.4 billion people and demonstrates how diversity can reinforce democratic governance rather than weaken it. Guided by the Constitution, she said, India’s democratic system continues to thrive despite its vast cultural, linguistic and geographical diversity.

Highlighting India’s electoral process, the President described the country’s general elections as the world’s largest democratic exercise, involving nearly one billion eligible voters. She said the successful conduct of such a massive electoral process reflects the resilience of India’s democratic institutions and the confidence citizens place in them.

Turning to bilateral relations, Murmu said India views North Macedonia as an important partner in shaping a stable, multipolar and prosperous global order. She recalled that historical connections between the two regions date back over two thousand years through trade, cultural exchanges and philosophical interactions.

She said the cultural similarities between the two countries continue to foster closer people-to-people ties, pointing to shared appreciation for yoga, cinema and academic cooperation as examples of growing engagement.

The President also encouraged stronger parliamentary exchanges, proposing greater interaction between lawmakers from New Delhi and Skopje. She suggested that young legislators from both countries should visit each other’s parliaments to exchange ideas on governance, legislative practices and public policy.

Emphasising women’s participation in governance, Murmu highlighted India’s efforts to increase female representation in public institutions. She referred to the reservation of seats for women in local self-government bodies and the recently enacted legislation providing one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Speaking on shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics, Murmu said Southeast Europe is emerging as an important region for growth and innovation. She described North Macedonia as a strategic gateway linking the Mediterranean with Central Europe and said India is keen to expand cooperation through greater trade, investment and regional engagement.

Murmu’s visit to North Macedonia follows the completion of her state visit to Moldova, which was also the first by an Indian President. She concluded her address by expressing hope that the two democracies would translate their longstanding historical and cultural ties into stronger economic partnerships and work together to promote peace, stability and shared prosperity.