President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic State Visit to the Republic of Moldova on 20 July 2026, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the country. The visit formed the opening leg of a three-nation tour that is also scheduled to take the President to North Macedonia and Romania, running from 19 to 25 July 2026, at the invitation of the respective Heads of State.
On arrival at Chișinău International Airport, she was received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi.
Ahead of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has noted that the visit “would mark a significant and historical milestone and elevate bilateral ties to a broad-based partnership,” with scope for cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, IT and education.
President Murmu was received by Moldovan President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace in Chișinău, where she was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour. The President’s Secretariat stated on X that the two leaders “held productive and forward-looking discussions covering the entire spectrum of our bilateral partnership,” adding that the visit “marks a historic milestone and reflects the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.”
Addressing a joint press statement afterwards, President Murmu said that the two sides had reviewed progress made in recent years and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas crucial for the progress, prosperity and well-being of the two peoples. She noted that economic cooperation remains an important pillar of the partnership, stating that both sides had agreed “to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen resilient supply chains, improve connectivity and encourage closer engagement between our business communities.” She added that the two countries had agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovation.
President Murmu addressed the India–Moldova Business Forum in Chișinău alongside President Sandu. In her inaugural address, she said India and Moldova have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 and that the partnership is based on mutual respect, democratic values and a shared commitment to peace, development and international cooperation. She said that as India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it seeks partnerships built on trust and shared prosperity and highlighted potential collaboration across digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare. The President said India offers good business opportunities to Moldovan companies and invited them to explore prospects in India, while urging Indian businesses to explore opportunities in Moldova.
President Murmu also met the President of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu, and members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership. Earlier in the day, she paid floral tributes at the Monument of Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt in Chișinău.
President Murmu also interacted with members of the Indian community and Friends of India in Chișinău, who welcomed her with warmth. The Moldova leg concluded with a banquet hosted in her honour by President Sandu, after which President Murmu departed for North Macedonia, the next stop on her three-nation tour.
