BUCHAREST (TIP): The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, concluded her State Visit to Romania from 23-25 July 2026, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Nicușor Dan, President of Romania. The visit marked the third and final leg of her three-nation visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
The State Visit was of historic significance as it was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in over three decades, the previous Indian Presidential visit having taken place in 1994. The visit reaffirmed the importance India attaches to its partnership with Romania and imparted fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation, India’s engagement with the European Union, and collaboration in multilateral fora. It opened a new chapter in India-Romania relations.
On arrival in Bucharest, Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji was received by H.E. Ms. Oana Toiu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji was accorded a ceremonial State welcome at the Cotroceni Palace by H.E. President Nicușor Dan. The two Presidents held one-to-one as well as delegation-level talks during which they reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions covered trade and investment, defence, renewable energy, digital technologies, science and technology, information technology, critical minerals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, education, sports, culture, mobility and people-to-people exchanges. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji conveyed India’s appreciation to the Government of Romania for the assistance extended during Operation Ganga in facilitating the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral trade and conveyed confidence that economic ties would expand further with the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. They agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years from the current level of approximately USD 1.3 billion.
Defence cooperation emerged as a major pillar of the bilateral partnership. The two sides welcomed the growing engagement between their defence establishments, including the meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation held earlier this year. They acknowledged significant opportunities for collaboration in defence manufacturing, industrial partnerships, defence technologies, maritime security and cybersecurity. Several Indian companies are exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector, including civil and defence aeronautics and next-generation drone technologies. An Indian company has also partnered with a Romanian company for investment in the production of military equipment.
The leaders welcomed the progress made following the meeting of the India-Romania Joint Economic Committee held in Bucharest in November 2025. They noted the ongoing efforts towards finalisation of the Mobility Partnership Agreement & Social Security Agreement to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals for mutual benefit.
As India and Romania prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028, the two sides agreed to commemorate the occasion as the “India-Romania Year of Innovation.”
Three bilateral instruments were signed in the presence of the two Presidents:
- A Programme of Cooperation on Science and Technology (2026-2029) between the National Authority for Research of Romania and the Department of Science and Technology of India to promote joint research in natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, and agricultural sciences.
- A Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of an ICCR Chair in Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest to strengthen academic cooperation and promote Indian language and culture.
- A Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the field of Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the National Sports Agency of Romania to promote collaboration in sports, including training and capacity building.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji appreciated Romania’s continued support for India’s efforts against terrorism, including Romania’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The leaders also reviewed cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji invited Romania to explore the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), highlighting its potential to facilitate trade, tourism and digital connectivity between the two countries.
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji announced the doubling of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Romania, including specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence. Romanian diplomats were also invited to participate in the forthcoming Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy.
Noting Romania’s active participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji invited Romania to join India’s other flagship global initiatives, namely the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), reflecting the convergence between the two countries on sustainable development priorities.
As a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji presented, on behalf of the people of India, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to the people of Romania through President Nicușor Dan. President Dan also hosted a State Banquet in honour of Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji.
During the visit, Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji met H.E. Mr. Ilie Bolojan, Prime Minister of Romania, and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji and President Nicușor Dan jointly addressed the India-Romania Business Forum, which was also attended by Romania’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economy. The Forum brought together leading businesses from both countries and focused on strengthening cooperation in the areas of Trade, Technology, Tourism and Talent. Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji was accompanied by a high-level business delegation led by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM representing sectors including agriculture, artificial intelligence, information technology, cybersecurity, capital goods, consulting, defence, drones and aerospace, e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, hospitality, manufacturing, metals and steel, technical textiles, and travel and tourism.
The leaders recognised Romania’s growing importance as a gateway for Indian businesses to the wider European market. They noted the expanding presence of Indian companies in Romania and welcomed the opportunities created by Romania’s strategic location as a Black Sea state and an emerging logistics, transport and connectivity hub. They also noted that the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and the adoption of the India-EU “Towards 2030: A Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” would further strengthen India’s economic engagement with Romania and the broader European Union.
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji also interacted with the leadership of the Romanian Parliament, including the President of the Senate and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, as well as members of the India-Romania Parliamentary Friendship Group. She paid homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. She also visited the National Village Museum and planted a tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
The President concluded the visit with an interaction with members of the Indian community and Friends of India in Romania, appreciating their contribution to strengthening India-Romania relations.
Before concluding the visit, Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji invited H.E. President Nicușor Dan to pay a State Visit to India at a mutually convenient date.
The State Visit marked an important milestone in India-Romania relations and reflected the shared commitment of both countries to building a modern, forward-looking and comprehensive partnership. Together with the visits to Moldova and North Macedonia, the visit significantly advanced India’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe and reinforced India’s expanding partnership with Europe as a whole.
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