CHISINAU (MOLDOVA), JUL 20 (PTI): India and Moldova on Monday discussed reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UN Security Council, and cooperation in the fight against terrorism among other key areas, a top diplomat has said.
Briefing media here on the outcome of President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Moldova, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said it reflects the growing warmth, trust and dynamism of the partnership, and opens a new and promising chapter of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Murmu is the first Indian head of state to visit this landlocked Eastern European country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.
The President held bilateral discussions with her Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu.
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Moldova ties and explored new avenues of cooperation in trade and investment, digital transformation, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, culture and capacity building, George said.
“They also discussed cooperation in (the) fight against terrorism. Both sides discussed (the) importance of reforms of multilateral organisations, including the UNSC,” he told a presser here. Their discussions underscored the shared commitment of the two democracies to a forward-looking, people-centred and mutually beneficial partnership, the diplomat said.
As a special gesture of friendship, Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to President Sandu.
“The bust will stand as an enduring symbol of the universal relevance of Gandhiji’s message of peace, non-violence, truth, harmony and human dignity,” George said. The President laid a wreath at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant (Stephen the Great), paying a tribute to one of Moldova’s most revered national figures.
As part of her day-long visit, Murmu met Igor Grosu, speaker of the parliament of the Republic of Moldova, and interacted with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group.
These engagements highlighted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding, strengthening institutional linkages and bringing the two democratic societies closer together, George said.
Later, both presidents jointly addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum.
The Forum brought together leading business representatives from both countries to explore fresh opportunities in trade, investment, innovation and technology.
George said one of the most important focus of the visit is on 3Ts – trade, technology and tourism.
“In our Amrit Kal journey as India marches towards becoming a developed country by 2047. We consider Europe as an important partner; Moldova as an important partner. We look forward to stronger business-to-business partnerships and greater Indian participation in Moldova’s economic development and modernisation,” he said.
India has emerged as an increasingly important economic partner for Moldova, George said.
Indian companies have established a growing presence in information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, he said.
Both countries are also exploring cooperation in digital public infrastructure, innovation, food processing, logistics and skills development, creating significant potential for mutually beneficial investment, employment and sustainable growth, George said.
During the Business Forum, business representatives from both countries expressed interest in expanding commercial partnerships, he said.
The business delegation from India comprises around 20 members including representatives of FICCI and CII and businesses across various sectors including agritech, IT, consulting, defence, e-commerce, exports, engineering, construction, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and venture capital and investments.
“Education and capacity building are emerging as another important pillar of partnership. The two sides have finalized an MoU on cooperation in the field of Higher Education which is ready for signing in the near future,” George said.
Around two thousand Indian students are currently pursuing higher education, particularly medical studies, in Moldova, he said.
“The government of India has also accepted Moldova’s proposal for the recognition of Moldovan Veterinary degrees which will benefit students of Moldova by expanding their professional opportunities,” George said.
“The state visit reaffirmed the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more substantive partnership.
“Rooted in democratic values, mutual respect and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity, India-Moldova relations are poised to enter a new era of closer engagement and enduring friendship,” he added.
Murmu also invited President Sandu to visit India at a mutually convenient date.
