The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will pay a state visit to the Republic of Moldova on July 20, followed by a state visit to Romania over July 23 - 25, the Embassy of India in Bucharest announced.

'The two state visits highlight India's deepening engagement with Europe and reaffirm its determination to strengthen sustainable partnerships based on shared democratic values, mutual respect and expanded cooperation in the political, economic, technological, cultural and people-to-people fields. These visits reflect India's increasingly active involvement in Eastern Europe and are expected to give new momentum to India's bilateral relations with the Republic of Moldova and Romania,' the diplomatic mission said.

According to the same source, the state visit to the Republic of Moldova will mark a historic moment, being the first visit ever by an Indian President to the Republic of Moldova since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.

The state visit of the President of India to Romania will be the first state visit by an Indian head of state to Romania in more than three decades, reflecting the remarkable transformation of bilateral relations and the two countries' shared commitment to raising their partnership to a new level.

'India and Romania enjoy a long-standing, close and multilateral relationship, founded on mutual trust, democratic values and close cooperation. Over the years, bilateral relations have expanded considerably in trade and investment, defence, energy, information technology, education, culture, mobility and connectivity. Romania remains one of India's most important and trusted partners in Central and Eastern Europe, and the two countries continue to deepen their Extended Partnership through regular high-level exchanges and institutional dialogue,' the Embassy of India underscored.

Droupadi Murmu will hold talks with her counterpart Nicusor Dan, and delegation-level discussions will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and include an exchange of views on regional and global developments of common interest.

According to the Embassy, during the visit the President of India will meet the prime minister, the heads of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, and members of the Romania - India parliamentary friendship group, reaffirming the importance both states attach to strengthening parliamentary cooperation.

Together with Romania's President and prime minister, the Indian head of state will take part in the India - Romania Business Forum, dedicated to promoting trade, investment and industrial cooperation in areas such as information technology, digital innovation, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, infrastructure, defence production and advanced technologies.

'Both countries remain committed to facilitating mutual investments and strengthening resilient and diversified supply chains,' the diplomatic mission said.

The programme will also include the awarding of the title Doctor Honoris Causa by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, in recognition of the President of India's remarkable leadership and contribution to public service. She will deliver an address to the academic community on India's remarkable transformation, the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision and the importance of expanding partnerships in education, research and innovation.

Droupadi Murmu will pay homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bucharest, take a guided tour of the National Village Museum and plant a tree under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam / A tree in the Mother's Name' initiative, reaffirming India's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

On July 25, the President of India will meet members of the Indian community and Friends of India in Romania.

'The two state visits of Mrs. Droupadi Murmu to the Republic of Moldova and Romania reflect India's expanding engagement in Europe, as well as its determination to build sustainable, forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnerships. They are expected to deepen cooperation in political dialogue, trade and investment, defence and security, digital transformation, science and technology, innovation, health, education, renewable energy, culture and parliamentary exchanges,' the Embassy of India also notes. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)