President Murmu Makes History as First Indian Head of State to Visit Moldova

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday arrived in Moldova on a historic visit, becoming the first Indian Head of State to do so. The visit is part of her three-nation tour of European countries aimed at strengthening ties in trade, technology, and tourism.

Upon her arrival at Chisinau International Airport, she was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mr. Mihai Popsoi, according to a post by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on X.

During the first leg of her visit, President Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. She is also scheduled to meet the President of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu.

The President will hold discussions with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address a Business Forum, and interact with members of the Indian community in Moldova.

Moldova is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe, strategically located between Romania and Ukraine. Approximately 2,000 Indian nationals, including around 1,800 medical students, reside in Moldova, making India one of the largest foreign student communities in the nation.

After concluding her day-long visit to Moldova, President Murmu will travel to North Macedonia from July 21-22, marking another first by an Indian President. She will then visit Romania from July 23-25, the first visit by an Indian President in over three decades.

The state visits underscore India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with these nations and enhancing engagement with the wider Eastern European region.

The official delegation accompanying the President includes Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma, and Lok Sabha member Vijay Baghel.