New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): As India looks toward the next 25 years of its growth journey, President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Moldova has set a clear objective: strengthening economic ties through the “3 Ts” — Trade, Technology, and Talent.
Marking the first visit by an Indian president to Moldova since diplomatic relations were established in 1992, the trip is being viewed as a significant milestone in expanding business and economic cooperation between the two countries.
During a special press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George said the visit signals a major upgrade in bilateral economic engagement.
“It is a historic visit given that it is the first visit by the Indian President to Moldova, which shows the importance we attach to our relationship with this country. In terms of deliverables, first and foremost, one of our objectives is part of the 3 Ts program which I mentioned. And so trade is important. Yes, the trade figures at present are very small. There are multiple factors for that. But one of the objectives and one of the deliverables is a determination by both countries to double the trade in the next few years,” he said.
The two countries are aiming to double bilateral trade over the next several years. The MEA also expressed confidence that India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union would further strengthen commercial engagement with Moldova.
“Our entering into the India-EU FTA also will help in that process. I think it would also touch upon the other question which you raised about Moldova-EU. You know, Moldova, as you are aware, is a candidate country for the EU, and in the discussions it came across that they are working towards becoming part of the EU process. Already they have some kind of special arrangement with the EU which helps in their trade engagement with the EU. As far as we are concerned, definitely this ongoing process will help our engagement,” George said.
Beyond trade, the MEA highlighted India’s growing role in Moldova’s infrastructure development, particularly in the energy sector.
“If you look at the current usage of energy in Moldova, I’m told that 70% of the network is constructed, is built by an Indian company,” George said.
Looking ahead, both countries are seeking to expand cooperation in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, information technology consulting, and renewable energy.
India also announced that it will double the number of training opportunities available to Moldovan professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
“Honorable President also announced the doubling of ITEC training slots for Moldova, including specialised programs in AI (Artificial Intelligence). In addition, Moldova has been offered to participate in the forthcoming professional course for foreign diplomats at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, focusing again on Artificial Intelligence and cyber diplomacy. These were welcomed by the Moldovan side,” the MEA said.
According to the Government of India, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the Ministry of External Affairs’ flagship capacity-building initiative. Established in 1964, it is one of the world’s oldest institutionalized international training programs, having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in civilian and defense sectors.
The program offers professionals from partner countries fully funded training courses at centers of excellence across India, providing technical expertise and skills for an increasingly interconnected global economy.
ITEC currently offers nearly 10,000 fully funded in-person training opportunities each year through approximately 400 courses conducted at more than 100 leading institutions across India.
Following the conclusion of her one-day visit to Moldova, President Murmu will travel to North Macedonia for a two-day visit from July 21 to 22, marking another first by an Indian president. (ANI)
About The Author
