President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, 21 July addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia in Skopje, declaring that India regards Southeast Europe not as a peripheral region but as a 'dynamic theatre of growth and innovation.' The address marked a significant diplomatic moment as Murmu became one of the few Indian heads of state to address the North Macedonian parliament.

Key Remarks at the Assembly

Speaking directly to lawmakers, President Murmu framed the visit in the context of a shifting global order. 'We meet at a critical juncture in human history. The geopolitical and economic centres of gravity are shifting. In this new era, India views Southeast Europe not as a region on the margins but as a dynamic theatre of growth and innovation,' she said.

She described North Macedonia as 'an important pillar in the architecture of a stable, multipolar and prosperous global future,' and called the country a 'vital gateway' connecting the Mediterranean with central Europe and the east with the west.

Civilisational Ties and Cultural Roots

President Murmu traced the bilateral relationship back more than two millennia, referencing ancient trade and philosophical exchanges between the two civilisations. 'Our relationship was set in motion more than two millennia ago, the historic expedition of traders from this region of vital corridors for trade and philosophy and art connecting our early civilisations,' she said.

She noted that North Macedonia's eastern traditions resonate with India's pluralistic ethos, and underscored that today's ties are built on that foundation of cultural synthesis.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the Call for Partnership

Invoking India's ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — 'the world is one family' — Murmu called for converting historical and cultural bonds into 'tangible economic milestones.' 'When the global landscape is fractured by conflict and economic division, this philosophy calls for building bridges, not walls,' she said.

She also reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment ties, and called on both nations — as democracies anchored in history — to chart a course toward peace and prosperity.

Tributes to Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi

President Murmu announced that on Wednesday she would pay tribute to Mother Teresa, whom she described as the 'most famous daughter' of Skopje, who made India her home. She also said she would hand over a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals of peace and non-violence, she noted, continue to bind peoples across borders.

Bilateral Engagement with PM Mickoski

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of North Macedonia hosted a luncheon in honour of President Murmu in Skopje, attended by several cabinet ministers and parliamentarians. The two leaders reaffirmed close ties anchored in shared democratic values and mutual respect, signalling momentum for deeper engagement between the two countries.

The visit is being watched as part of India's broader diplomatic outreach to Southeast Europe, a region that has gained strategic relevance amid shifting global supply chains and European Union expansion dynamics.