President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, 20 July 2025, departed from New Delhi on a three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania, marking a landmark diplomatic outreach to Eastern Europe and reinforcing India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the region. The tour includes the first-ever visits by an Indian President to Moldova and North Macedonia, and the first presidential visit to Romania in over three decades.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, announcing the departure on X, said: 'President Droupadi Murmu has emplaned for State Visits to the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of North Macedonia and Romania. This marks the first-ever visit by a President of India to Moldova and North Macedonia, and the first presidential visit to Romania in over three decades. The visit will impart fresh momentum to India's relations with these countries.'

Moldova: A Historic First Stop

President Murmu's first engagement begins in Moldova on 20 July, at the invitation of Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The visit is the first ever by an Indian head of state to the country. During her stay, President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with President Sandu and meet Moldovan Parliament President Igor Grosu. She is also scheduled to interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, address a Business Forum, and engage with the Indian community in the country.

According to the MEA, India and Moldova share warm and friendly relations, with significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and education. The visit is expected to elevate bilateral ties to a broader strategic partnership.

North Macedonia: Presidential Dialogue and Business Outreach

From 21 to 22 July, President Murmu will travel to North Macedonia at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova — again, a first-ever visit by an Indian President to the country. She will hold talks with President Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, meet the President of the Assembly, address the Assembly, and speak at the India-North Macedonia Business Forum.

The two countries are expected to explore greater cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, and IT-enabled services.

Romania: Reviving a Three-Decade Gap

The final leg of the tour takes President Murmu to Romania from 23 to 25 July, at the invitation of President Nicușor Dan. This will be the first visit by an Indian President to Romania in more than three decades. During her stay, she will hold talks with President Dan and interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and meet Romanian Senate President Mircea Abrudean and Chamber of Deputies President Sorin Grindeanu. She will also 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 conclusion of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to further strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries.

India's Eastern Europe Strategy

The Ministry described President Murmu's state visits as a reflection of India's growing focus on deepening partnerships with Eastern European nations. This comes amid broader efforts to expand India's diplomatic footprint beyond traditional partners, with enhanced political dialogue, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges at the centre of the outreach. Notably, the three-nation itinerary signals a deliberate push to engage smaller but strategically positioned European states — a departure from India's historically West-Europe-centric diplomatic calendar.

All three countries are expected to sign or advance bilateral cooperation frameworks during the visit, with formal outcomes anticipated before President Murmu's return.