India considers Moldova an important strategic partner in Europe. President Murmu’s visit has strengthened relations between the two countries. During this, issues like sustainable development, global reform and fight against terrorism were also discussed.
New Delhi [भारत]July 20 (ANI): India has recognized Moldova as an important strategic partner in its deepening ties with Europe. The move comes as India moves on its journey to ‘Amrit Kaal’, a 25-year roadmap to become a developed ‘Developed India’ by 2047.
During a special briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, Secretary (West) Sibi George described the state visit of President Draupadi Murmu to Moldova as a “new and promising chapter” for both the countries. He said the visit serves to bring the two nations together on long-term sustainable development goals.
Resolve to strengthen partnership
Secretary (West) Sibi George said, “This State Visit reaffirms the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more vital partnership based on democratic values, mutual respect and a shared aspiration for peace and prosperity.”
Students became an important link between the two countries
The Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs said that a major part of this relationship is the thousands of Indians who consider Moldova as their home for their studies. The humanitarian aspect of this growing relationship is strengthened by the 2,000 Indian medical students currently living in Moldova, who serve as a living bridge between the two societies.
“We are seeing a huge increase in the number of Indians traveling to this part of the world. There are 2,000 Indian students studying medicine in a country like Moldova, which is very significant,” he said. He further said that because of this large community, “there is always a demand and request from the general public and the government for some kind of connectivity.”
Cooperation on global challenges and sustainable development
During this period, diplomatic attention also remained focused on global challenges. Moldova is already part of the India-led International Solar Alliance. The Ministry of External Affairs said that during the visit, President Murmu invited Moldova to join other important groupings such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. The two leaders also discussed the need to reform global organizations such as the United Nations and stressed their joint stand against global terrorism.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Both sides discussed opportunities in solar energy, sustainable technologies and climate-resilient development. The Honorable President also invited Moldova to join India’s other key multilateral initiatives, including the CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. This reflects the growing solidarity between our two countries on sustainable development priorities. During the discussions, he also raised the issue of reforming multilateral organizations, particularly the United Nations. Also discussed the importance of the fight against global terrorism.”
Emphasis on cultural and democratic relations
In a powerful symbolic gesture, President Murmu presented a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to the President of Moldova. Secretary George said, “This statue will stand as an enduring symbol of the universal relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message.”
Reflecting on the President’s various engagements in Moldova during his visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “These engagements highlighted the important role of parliamentary democracy in deepening mutual understanding, strengthening institutional ties and bringing the two democratic societies closer to each other.”
The Ministry of External Affairs further said that the President’s historic one-day visit ended with a strong message of friendship. Secretary George further said, “This State Visit reaffirms the shared resolve of India and Moldova to build a stronger, broader and more vital partnership based on democratic values, mutual respect and a shared aspiration for peace and prosperity.” (ANI)
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