President Murmu honours Stefan cel Mare monument in Chisinau, Moldova
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu's tribute at the Stefan cel Mare monument in Chisinau is more than a diplomatic courtesy — it marks the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to Moldova, opening a new chapter in India's engagement with Eastern Europe and signalling intent to build trade and strategic ties beyond India's traditional partner regions.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes at the Stefan cel Mare si Sfant monument in Chisinau on 20 July .
This is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to Moldova .
President Murmu held bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace .
She addressed the India-Moldova Business Forum , pitching India as an investor-friendly destination for Moldovan companies.
The three-nation State Visit also includes North Macedonia and Romania .
A large Indian business delegation accompanied the President, reflecting growing industry interest in Moldova's economic potential.
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, 20 July paid floral tributes at the Stefan cel Mare si Sfant monument in Chisinau, Moldova, during her landmark State Visit to the Eastern European nation — the first-ever by an Indian President to Moldova.
The Monument and Its Significance
The bronze statue commemorates Stefan cel Mare ('Stephen the Great'), widely regarded as Moldova's greatest ruler. According to the local government, Stefan successfully repelled a Turkish invasion in the 15th century, cementing his place as a defining figure in Moldovan national identity.
'President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes at the Monument of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant in Chisinau. The monument commemorates his enduring contribution to the country's history,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
Presidential Meetings and Ceremonial Welcome
President Murmu arrived at Chisinau International Airport on Monday and was received by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popsoi. She was subsequently accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Presidential Palace.
President Murmu and her Moldovan counterpart, President Maia Sandu, held bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace, reviewing existing ties and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation. Secretary (West) at MEA, Sibi George, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
India-Moldova Business Forum
Addressing the India-Moldova Business Forum in Chisinau, President Murmu underscored India's commitment to international partnerships. 'India offers good business opportunities for Moldovan companies for trade and business. We remain committed to fostering a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly business environment,' she said.
The President noted that a large Indian business delegation accompanied her, describing their presence as a signal of 'the growing confidence of Indian industry in Moldova's economic potential and its commitment to building long-term partnerships.'
Historic First and Broader State Visit
The Chisinau leg is the first stop of a three-nation State Visit that also covers North Macedonia and Romania. President Murmu described the visit as emblematic of India's intent to deepen engagement 'in all spheres, including political, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.'
This diplomatic outreach to Eastern Europe signals a broadening of India's foreign policy footprint beyond its traditional partner blocs, with the visit expected to lay the groundwork for structured bilateral frameworks with all three nations.
Point of View
Currently an EU candidate state, offers India a foothold in a market undergoing rapid regulatory and economic reform. The business delegation accompanying Murmu suggests this is not purely ceremonial — yet the real test will be whether the visit produces concrete trade frameworks or remains at the level of goodwill. India's Eastern European outreach has historically lacked follow-through; this visit is an opportunity to break that pattern.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of President Murmu's visit to Moldova?
It is the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to Moldova, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties. The visit covers political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people engagement, and is accompanied by a large Indian business delegation.
Who is Stefan cel Mare and why is the monument significant?
Stefan cel Mare, or 'Stephen the Great', is Moldova's most celebrated historical ruler, known for successfully defending the country against a Turkish invasion in the 15th century. The bronze monument in Chisinau commemorates his enduring contribution to Moldovan national identity.
Which countries does President Murmu's current State Visit cover?
The State Visit covers three Eastern European nations: Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania. Chisinau, Moldova is the first leg of the tour.
What did President Murmu say at the India-Moldova Business Forum?
President Murmu said India sees trusted international partnerships as central to achieving shared prosperity and sustainable economic growth. She also stated that India offers good business opportunities for Moldovan companies and remains committed to a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment.
Who received President Murmu in Chisinau?
President Murmu was received at Chisinau International Airport by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popsoi. She later held talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace.
