India, North Macedonia seek deeper trade and strategic ties during landmark presidential meeting
India and North Macedonia have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, tourism, education and multilateral engagement after President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova during the first ever state visit by an Indian president to North Macedonia.
SKOPJE – India and North Macedonia have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations across a broad range of sectors following talks between President Droupadi Murmu and North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, marking a historic milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The meeting, held during President Murmu's state visit to Skopje, was the first official visit to North Macedonia by an Indian head of state since diplomatic relations were established more than three decades ago. The visit forms part of President Murmu's three nation tour of Europe, which also includes Moldova and Romania.
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed that the partnership has significant untapped potential, particularly in trade, technology, tourism, digital innovation, healthcare, education, agriculture and cultural exchanges.
President Murmu reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding engagement with North Macedonia, describing the country as an important partner in the Balkans and a gateway to wider cooperation with Europe. She said the relationship was built on shared democratic values, mutual respect and a common commitment to peace and international cooperation.
President Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and highlighted opportunities to increase economic cooperation, noting that commercial relations should better reflect the strong political goodwill between the two countries. She also expressed support for expanding institutional links and enhancing business to business engagement.
The discussions covered cooperation in emerging technologies, digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, innovation and higher education, while both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders identified trade, technology and tourism as the three principal pillars that could drive the next phase of bilateral cooperation. Officials said both governments would work to facilitate greater business engagement, encourage investment and improve connectivity between their private sectors.
The two presidents also discussed expanding people to people exchanges through academic partnerships, cultural cooperation and tourism promotion. During the visit, India highlighted the growing international appeal of its film industry and its role in supporting tourism, with both sides recognising cultural diplomacy as an avenue for strengthening bilateral understanding.
The visit also underscored India's broader strategy of deepening engagement with Central and Eastern Europe as New Delhi seeks to diversify trade relationships, strengthen supply chains and expand strategic partnerships across the region.
President Murmu said she was confident that the visit would open a new chapter in relations between the two countries, laying the foundation for stronger economic cooperation and closer collaboration in international forums.
The bilateral meeting was accompanied by delegation level discussions involving senior officials from both governments and was followed by engagements aimed at strengthening commercial and institutional cooperation between India and North Macedonia.
