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PoliticsIndian President Murmu arrives in Moldova on historic first visit by Indian head of state
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Indian President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Moldova on July 20, 2026, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the Eastern European country. She was received at Chisinau International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi. During the visit, President Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, meet Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, discuss with the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address a Business Forum, and interact with the Indian community. Moldova hosts around 2,000 Indian nationals, mostly medical students. This visit is the first leg of a three-nation European tour aimed at boosting ties in trade, technology, and tourism. She will subsequently visit North Macedonia (July 21-22) and Romania (July 23-25), both also firsts or rare visits by an Indian president. The tour underscores India's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Eastern European countries.
Source report
As part of the first leg of her visit, President Droupadi Murmu will hold delegation-level talks with her Moldovan counterpart, President Maia Sandu
Published - July 20, 2026 05:08 pm IST | Chisinau, Moldova
PTI
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (July 20, 2026) arrived on a historic visit to Moldova, the first by any Indian Head of State, as part of her three-nation tour of European countries aimed at boosting ties in trade, technology, and tourism sectors, among others.
"On her arrival at Chisinau International Airport, she was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Mihai Popsoi," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.
Key Engagements
As part of the first leg of her visit, President Murmu will:
- Hold delegation-level talks with her Moldovan counterpart, President Maia Sandu
- Meet the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu
- Hold discussions with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group
- Address a Business Forum
- Interact with members of the Indian Community
About Moldova
Moldova is a small (33,846 sq. km) landlocked country in Eastern Europe, strategically located between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. Around 2,000 Indian nationals, including approximately 1,800 medical students, reside in Moldova, making India one of the largest foreign student communities in this Eastern European nation.
Upcoming Legs of the Tour
After concluding her day-long trip, President Murmu will:
- Visit North Macedonia (July 21–22) — This will also be the first ever visit by an Indian President to this landlocked country in Southeast Europe.
- Visit Romania (July 23–25) — At the invitation of her Romanian counterpart Nicușor Dan. This will be the first visit by an Indian President to the Southeastern European country after a gap of over three decades.
Significance
The State visit to these three nations reflects the importance India attaches to strengthening its bilateral ties with these countries, along with New Delhi's engagement with the wider Eastern European region.
Official Delegation
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 are part of the official delegation accompanying the President.
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Regional
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President Murmu arrives in Moldova on historic first visit by Indian head of state