India and Romania have agreed to significantly deepen their strategic partnership following President Droupadi Murmu’s historic state visit to Romania—the first visit by an Indian President to the country in nearly three decades. During the visit, both nations announced plans to double bilateral trade within the next three years while expanding cooperation across key sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, defence, agriculture, science and technology, and digital public infrastructure (DPI).
The visit marks a major step in strengthening India’s engagement with Eastern Europe, with leaders from both countries describing economic cooperation as the foundation of the next phase of bilateral relations.
Historic Visit Strengthens Seven-Decade Partnership
Addressing the media after bilateral talks in Bucharest, President Droupadi Murmu said the friendship between India and Romania, built over more than 70 years, has been based on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections.
She said the relationship is now entering a new phase focused on innovation, technology, sustainable development and economic cooperation.
The visit also witnessed the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in science and technology, sports, and the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest, aimed at strengthening educational and cultural exchanges.
Target to Double Bilateral Trade
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the decision to double bilateral trade within the next three years.
Both countries agreed to:
- Promote greater trade and investment
- Strengthen supply chains
- Encourage industrial collaboration
- Expand business partnerships between companies in both nations
Leaders noted that India’s rapidly growing economy and Romania’s strategic position in Europe provide significant opportunities for long-term economic cooperation.
Cooperation to Expand Across Strategic Sectors
India and Romania agreed to strengthen collaboration in several high-growth sectors, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Renewable Energy
- Green Hydrogen
- Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Fertiliser production
- Science & Technology
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- Advanced manufacturing
President Murmu said both countries possess complementary strengths that can help create mutually beneficial partnerships across these industries.
Defence Partnership to Receive Fresh Push
Defence cooperation also featured prominently during the discussions.
The two countries agreed to increase:
- Regular military exchanges
- Defence training programmes
- Capacity building initiatives
- Collaboration between defence industries
Both sides described defence as an important pillar of bilateral relations and committed to expanding cooperation in the sector.
India Doubles ITEC Training Opportunities
India also announced that it will double the number of training opportunities available to Romanian professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
The expanded programme will include specialised courses in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Digital technologies
- Cyber diplomacy
- Governance
In addition, Romania’s diplomats have been invited to participate in professional training programmes conducted by India’s Foreign Service Institute, including courses focused on AI and cyber diplomacy.
Support for Global Climate Initiatives
Climate cooperation emerged as another major focus during the visit.
President Murmu welcomed Romania’s continued engagement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and appreciated the country’s interest in joining two India-led global initiatives:
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Global Biofuels Alliance
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development through international cooperation.
2028 to Be Celebrated as India-Romania Innovation Year
To commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, India and Romania agreed to celebrate 2028 as the “India-Romania Innovation Year.”
The initiative will promote collaboration in:
- Innovation
- Research
- Technology
- Education
- Startups
- Cultural exchanges
Discussions on Global and Regional Issues
Beyond bilateral cooperation, both leaders exchanged views on important regional and international developments.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to:
- Peaceful dialogue
- International law
- Multilateral cooperation
- Addressing global challenges through diplomacy
Romanian President Calls Visit Historic
Romanian President Nicușor Dan described President Murmu’s visit as historic, saying it opens a new chapter in India-Romania relations.
He highlighted growing Indian investments in Romania and said discussions also covered the possibility of launching direct air connectivity between India and Romania, which could significantly boost trade, tourism and business exchanges.
President Dan expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to deepen across economic, technological and cultural sectors.
MEA Highlights Comprehensive Bilateral Talks
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two Presidents held comprehensive discussions covering all major aspects of bilateral cooperation.
According to the MEA, both sides reviewed existing partnerships and explored new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.
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