India and Moldova discuss UN reform and counterterrorism during Murmu state visit to Chisinau

President Droupadi Murmu has begun a state visit to Moldova, arriving in Chisinau for talks with President Maia Sandu. The visit is the first by an Indian head of state to Moldova since diplomatic relations were established in 1992. The two sides used the meeting to discuss reforms of multilateral organisations, including the United Nations Security Council, as well as cooperation against terrorism.

Sponsored

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the bilateral discussions also covered trade and investment, digital transformation, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, culture and capacity building. A ministry official said both sides discussed the importance of reforming multilateral organisations and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Murmu also presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to Sandu as a gesture of friendship.

The visit included ceremonial and parliamentary engagements in the Moldovan capital. Murmu laid a wreath at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, paying tribute to one of Moldova's most prominent historical figures. She also met Igor Grosu, the speaker of the Moldovan parliament, and spoke with members of the India-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Later, the two presidents jointly addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum, which brought together business representatives from both countries. The talks come as India seeks to broaden its engagement with Europe beyond its traditional focus on larger Western powers. The discussions in Chisinau also point to a wider effort to deepen ties with smaller European states through diplomacy, trade and sectoral cooperation.

Sponsored

For Moldova, the meeting with India's president adds visibility to its relations with a major Asian partner at a time when multilateral reform and security cooperation remain active international issues. The business forum highlighted areas including innovation, technology, digital public infrastructure, food processing, logistics and skills development. The Indian delegation included around 20 members from sectors such as agritech, IT, consulting, defence, e-commerce, exports, engineering, construction, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

The ministry also said around 2,000 Indian students are in Moldova, underlining an existing people-to-people link that could support broader cooperation. It was not immediately clear what specific agreements, if any, would follow the visit, or whether the discussions on UN reform and counterterrorism would lead to formal joint initiatives. Murmu is due to continue her European tour with visits to North Macedonia and Romania in the coming days.

The outcome of the business and diplomatic meetings in Chisinau will be watched for signs of deeper economic and institutional engagement between the two countries.

#India #Moldova #DroupadiMurmu #MaiaSandu #UNSecurityCouncil

Sponsored