India, Moldova agree to expand partnership in AI, clean energy, trade during historic presidential visit
- In Reports
- 06:35 PM, Jul 20, 2026
- Myind Staff
President Droupadi Murmu and Moldovan President Maia Sandu held delegation-level talks in Chisinau during the first-ever State visit by an Indian Head of State to the Republic of Moldova. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in key sectors, including emerging technologies, agriculture, clean energy, trade, and infrastructure. The visit marked a historic milestone in India-Moldova relations and reflected the growing partnership between the two countries.
President Murmu received a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the Presidential Palace before the official talks began. The meeting concluded with a joint press statement, where both leaders presented a forward-looking roadmap for stronger cooperation in trade, diplomacy, education, and global infrastructure initiatives.
Addressing the media after the talks, President Murmu said, "We reviewed the progress made in recent years and agreed to deepen our cooperation in various sectors, which is crucial for the progress, prosperity, and well-being of our people."
She thanked President Sandu for the warm welcome extended to the Indian delegation. Murmu said, "I am delighted to undertake this state visit to the Republic of Moldova at the invitation of President Sandu. This is the first state visit to Moldova in our bilateral relations, reflecting a historic milestone and the growing friendship and mutual trust between our two countries."
The President said India and Moldova have maintained warm and friendly ties for more than three decades. She added that the partnership has continued to grow in line with their shared commitment to peace, development, and international cooperation.
Murmu described economic cooperation as one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral partnership. She said both countries will focus on increasing trade and investment, strengthening supply chains, improving connectivity, and encouraging closer engagement between their business communities. She also said the India-Moldova Business Forum, organised during the visit, would strengthen commercial ties between the two countries. According to Murmu, "We will promote trade and investment, strengthen supply chains, improve connectivity, and encourage closer cooperation between our business communities." She added that the Business Forum "will provide new energy to our trade and investment relations."
The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in several important sectors. These include agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The agreement reflects both countries' interest in building stronger partnerships in technology-driven and sustainable sectors.
President Murmu also announced new steps to strengthen cooperation in education and capacity building. She said India will double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Moldovan professionals. The expanded programme will include special courses on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Murmu said, "We are pleased to double the number of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals, including special courses in AI and other emerging technologies." She also invited Moldovan diplomats to attend specialised AI and cyber diplomacy courses at India's Foreign Service Institute.
The discussions also focused on clean energy and global development initiatives. Murmu said India and Moldova will continue working together under the International Solar Alliance. She also encouraged Moldova to join two other international initiatives led by India. She said, "I would like Moldova to also take the initiative to join the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) as well as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)."
During the meeting, both Presidents exchanged views on regional and global developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, dialogue, and respect for international law. Murmu said the two countries will continue working together to address shared global challenges. She stated, "We agreed to work together to address common global challenges and contribute to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world order."
The President also reiterated India's position on resolving international conflicts through peaceful means. She said, "India has always supported dialogue and diplomacy for the speedy resolution of disputes and tensions. We have always stood for peace."
Murmu said she looked forward to meeting members of the Indian community living in Moldova during her visit. She also invited President Maia Sandu to visit India at a mutually convenient time to continue strengthening bilateral relations.
Expressing confidence in the future of the partnership, Murmu said, "I am confident that we will continue to build a strong, future-oriented, and mutually beneficial partnership between India and Moldova."
Earlier in the day, President Maia Sandu welcomed President Murmu at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau with a ceremonial reception and a guard of honour, marking the beginning of a landmark visit that opened a new chapter in India-Moldova relations.

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