President Murmu arrives in North Macedonia on historic first visit by Indian head of state
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu's landing in Skopje is a quiet but significant first — no Indian head of state has ever visited North Macedonia. Coming on the heels of Moldova and ahead of Romania, this three-nation sweep marks India's most concentrated diplomatic push into Eastern Europe in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Skopje, North Macedonia on Tuesday, 22 July — the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the country.
She was received by North Macedonia's Foreign Affairs Minister Timcho Mucunski at the airport.
Murmu will hold talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski , and address the India-North Macedonia Business Forum .
Cooperation focus areas include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and science and technology .
She earlier concluded a visit to Moldova , and will travel to Romania from 23 to 25 July — the first Indian presidential visit there in over three decades .
The MEA said the tour reflects India's growing engagement with Eastern European nations.
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Skopje on Tuesday for the second leg of her three-nation European tour, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia. She was received at the airport by North Macedonia's Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Timcho Mucunski, according to the President's Office.
A Historic Diplomatic Milestone
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as a reflection of 'growing warmth in bilateral ties,' stating it would 'deepen India-North Macedonia relations and open new avenues for cooperation across diverse sectors.' President Murmu is in North Macedonia until 22 July, at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
Key Engagements in Skopje
During her stay, President Murmu is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. She will also meet the President of the Assembly, address the Assembly, and participate in the India-North Macedonia Business Forum. The two sides are expected to explore expanded cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, information technology, and IT-enabled services.
Moldova Visit Concluded Successfully
President Murmu had earlier concluded a productive visit to Moldova, where she held bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau. She also addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum to promote trade and investment, and held discussions on expanding cooperation in technology, agriculture, and affordable medicine.
Romania Next: First Presidential Visit in Over Three Decades
The final leg of the tour will take President Murmu to Romania from 23 to 25 July, at the invitation of President Nicusor Dan — the first visit by an Indian President to Romania in more than three decades. She will hold talks with President Dan and interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, meet Senate President Mircea Abrudean and Chamber of Deputies President Sorin Grindeanu, address the India-Romania Business Forum, and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
The MEA noted that Romania is an important partner for India within the European Union, and that the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, if concluded, is expected to further strengthen bilateral economic ties. Taken together, President Murmu's three-nation tour signals India's deepening strategic focus on Eastern Europe through enhanced political dialogue, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Point of View
But the Murmu tour suggests a recalibration, likely tied to the stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the need to build goodwill within EU member states ahead of any deal. The 'first-ever' framing for both North Macedonia and Romania (after three decades) exposes just how thin India's presidential engagement with Europe has been. Whether these visits translate into durable trade and technology partnerships, or remain ceremonial firsts, will depend on follow-through at the ministerial and commerce levels — which historically has been the weak link in India's European diplomacy.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is President Murmu's visit to North Macedonia historic?
It is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The visit is aimed at deepening bilateral ties and opening new avenues for cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
Which countries is President Murmu visiting on her three-nation tour?
President Droupadi Murmu is visiting Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania. She concluded her Moldova visit before arriving in Skopje, and will travel to Romania from 23 to 25 July 2025.
Who will President Murmu meet in North Macedonia?
She is scheduled to hold talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. She will also meet the President of the Assembly, address the Assembly, and speak at the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.
What areas of cooperation are India and North Macedonia expected to explore?
The two countries are expected to discuss greater cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, information technology, and IT-enabled services, according to official statements.
Why is the Romania leg of the visit significant?
President Murmu's visit to Romania from 23 to 25 July will be the first by an Indian President to that country in more than three decades. The MEA has described Romania as an important partner for India within the European Union, particularly in the context of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
