India, Moldova Strengthen Partnership on UN Reforms and Counter-Terrorism

CHISINAU (Moldova), July 20: India and Moldova have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation in global governance, counter terrorism, trade, technology, education, and investment during President Droupadi Murmu’s historic state visit to the Eastern European nation.

The visit, the first by an Indian Head of State to Moldova since diplomatic ties were established in 1992, marked a significant milestone in relations between the two democracies. Officials from both nations described the engagement as the beginning of a stronger and more comprehensive partnership built on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and common development goals.

UNSC Reform and Counter-Terrorism in Focus

President Murmu held extensive bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, during which both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations while identifying new opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors.

Addressing the media after the discussions, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George said the leaders exchanged views on reforming multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stressing the importance of making global governance structures more representative and effective.

The two countries also reiterated their commitment to strengthening international cooperation against terrorism, emphasizing the need for coordinated global efforts to combat emerging security challenges.

According to George, the discussions reflected the shared vision of both countries for promoting peace, stability, and inclusive international institutions capable of addressing contemporary global issues.

Expanding Economic and Business Engagement

Economic cooperation featured prominently during the visit as both sides explored avenues to boost trade, investment, and industrial partnerships.

President Murmu and President Sandu jointly inaugurated the India-Moldova Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry associations, and business leaders from both countries.

Indian business representatives from sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, renewable energy, engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, consulting, hospitality, e-commerce, venture capital, defence, and infrastructure participated in discussions aimed at identifying new commercial opportunities.

Officials noted that the business interactions are expected to encourage greater private-sector collaboration and facilitate long-term investments in emerging industries.

Priority on Trade, Technology and Tourism

Highlighting India’s long-term engagement strategy with Europe, Sibi George said the government’s focus during the visit revolved around the three pillars of Trade, Technology and Tourism, commonly referred to as the “3Ts.”

He stated that as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, partnerships with European countries such as Moldova will play an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth, technological innovation, and business expansion.

George added that stronger business to business partnerships are expected to contribute to Moldova’s economic modernization while creating fresh opportunities for Indian enterprises.

Growing Collaboration Across Key Sectors

Officials from both countries discussed expanding cooperation in several strategic areas, including:

Digital transformation and public digital infrastructure
Information technology and innovation
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Agriculture and food processing
Renewable energy
Logistics and supply chain development
Skill development and capacity building

These initiatives are expected to create employment opportunities, encourage innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth in both countries.

Education Partnership Set for Expansion

Education emerged as another important area of cooperation during the visit.

India and Moldova have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on higher education, which is expected to be formally signed in the near future.

The agreement aims to strengthen academic exchanges, institutional collaboration, research partnerships, and student mobility.

Around 2,000 Indian students, many pursuing medical education, are currently studying in Moldova, making educational ties an important pillar of bilateral relations.

India also agreed to recognize Moldovan veterinary degrees, a move expected to improve professional opportunities for Moldovan graduates and deepen educational cooperation.

Parliamentary Diplomacy Strengthens Institutional Links

Besides meeting President Sandu, President Murmu also held discussions with Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova.

She interacted with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group, highlighting the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering closer engagement between legislators from both countries.

Officials said such exchanges help improve mutual understanding while creating stronger institutional linkages.

Tribute to Shared Values

As a gesture symbolizing friendship between the two nations, President Murmu presented President Sandu with a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

Indian officials said the statue represents Gandhi’s enduring ideals of peace, truth, non-violence, harmony, and respect for human dignity, values that continue to inspire societies across the world.

During her visit, Murmu also laid a wreath at the monument of Stephen the Great, one of Moldova’s most respected historical leaders, paying tribute to the country’s rich cultural and national heritage.

India’s Expanding Presence in Moldova

India’s economic footprint in Moldova has steadily grown over recent years, with Indian companies establishing operations in sectors including IT, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Officials believe ongoing discussions on digital infrastructure, innovation, logistics, and industrial cooperation could significantly expand bilateral investment and commercial activity in the coming years.

Representatives from leading Indian industry bodies, including FICCI and CII, participated in the business forum alongside Moldovan companies, reflecting increasing private-sector interest in bilateral partnerships.