Bucharest, Romania — President Droupadi Murmu on Friday invited Romanian companies to become active partners in India’s growth story, saying the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision offers unprecedented opportunities for investment, technology collaboration and long-term strategic partnerships.
Addressing the India-Romania Business Forum in Bucharest in the presence of Romanian President Nicușor Dan, government ministers, business leaders and industry representatives from both countries, President Murmu said India and Romania are well positioned to deepen economic cooperation amid a rapidly evolving global economy.
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Describing Romania as a natural and valuable partner, the President highlighted its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, highly skilled workforce, advanced industrial capabilities and strong integration with the European Union. She said these strengths make Romania an attractive destination for Indian investment and an important gateway to the wider European market. She also noted that the large Indian business delegation attending the forum reflected growing confidence in Romania’s economic potential.
Highlighting the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), President Murmu described it as one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships, covering nearly two billion people and an economy valued at approximately USD 25 trillion. She said its early implementation would provide a predictable business environment, boost investment flows, strengthen value chains and create new opportunities for MSMEs, startups and innovators across both regions.
The President also noted that India and the European Union are negotiating an Investment Protection Agreement and a Geographical Indications Agreement, which are expected to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement.
Emphasising India’s strong economic fundamentals, President Murmu said the country remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, supported by sustained reforms, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, a skilled workforce and a transparent, investor-friendly policy environment. She highlighted ongoing tax reforms and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that continue to attract global investment.
Calling for deeper sectoral collaboration, the President identified renewable energy, green hydrogen, solar power, sustainable biofuels, nuclear energy, hydropower and offshore wind as key areas for future cooperation. She also pointed to opportunities in chemicals and fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, food processing, transportation, logistics, ports, railways and multimodal connectivity.
President Murmu said India’s globally recognised Digital Public Infrastructure, thriving startup ecosystem and leadership in information technology complement Romania’s strengths in software engineering, cybersecurity, research and advanced technologies, opening new avenues for innovation-driven partnerships.
Highlighting strategic cooperation beyond trade, she said the India-EU Trade and Technology Council has emerged as an important platform for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, clean energy and digital innovation. She also referred to the recently concluded India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, saying it would strengthen defence industry cooperation and complement India’s bilateral defence ties with Romania through joint production, technology partnerships, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and defence research.
Expressing confidence in the growing partnership, President Murmu urged Romanian businesses to actively participate in India’s development journey.
“Our businesses can build resilient supply chains, generate employment, promote innovation and create sustainable prosperity for our peoples,” she said.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu held wide-ranging discussions with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at Victoria Palace, where both sides reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, connectivity and emerging technologies.
She also held delegation-level talks with Romanian President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace following a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
During the visit, India and Romania signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering science and technology, sports, and the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest, further strengthening institutional cooperation.
Romania is the final stop of President Murmu’s three-nation State visit, aimed at expanding India’s political, economic and strategic engagement with its European partners.
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