President Murmu pays tribute at Bucharest's Tomb of Unknown Soldier
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, 25 July 2025, paid her respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bucharest, Romania, marking a solemn close to the final leg of her three-nation Europe visit. The monument, a national symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, honours Romania's fallen soldiers and stands as one of the country's most revered memorials.
President's Secretariat Statement
The President's Secretariat confirmed the visit on X, noting: 'President Droupadi Murmu paid her respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Bucharest, Romania. The monument embodies Romania's gratitude to its fallen soldiers and is a national symbol of patriotism, unity, and peace.'
India–Romania Business Forum
Earlier on the same day, President Murmu addressed the India–Romania Business Forum in Bucharest, held in the presence of Romanian President Nicusor Dan, members of the Romanian government, and business leaders and industry representatives from both nations. She underscored India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision — the ambition to transform India into a fully developed nation by the centenary of its Independence — and called it a gateway for international partnerships, investment, and technology collaboration. She urged Romanian companies to actively participate in India's growth story.
India–EU FTA and Economic Ties
President Murmu highlighted the significance of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing the combined market of nearly two billion people and an economic size of around $25 trillion as one of the most consequential economic partnerships in the world. She stressed that early and effective implementation of the FTA would create a predictable environment for businesses, deepen value chain integration, and open new avenues for MSMEs, startups, and innovators on both sides.
Complementary Strengths in Technology
The President pointed to India's globally recognised Digital Public Infrastructure, its thriving startup ecosystem, and its leadership in information technology as natural complements to Romania's strengths in software engineering, cyber-security, research, and advanced technologies. She expressed confidence that the business communities of both countries would convert emerging opportunities into successful commercial partnerships.
What Comes Next
President Murmu's three-nation Europe tour now draws to a close with the Bucharest engagements. The push for deeper India–EU trade ties, particularly through the FTA, is expected to remain a priority diplomatic theme in the months ahead as both sides work toward finalising the agreement's terms.