President Droupadi Murmu Begins Historic First-Ever State Visit to North Macedonia

President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in North Macedonia for a two-day state visit, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the Balkan nation.

The landmark trip forms the second leg of her three-country European tour and reflects India's growing diplomatic engagement with Eastern Europe, with a focus on strengthening political, economic, and strategic partnerships.

During the visit, President Murmu is expected to hold high-level meetings with North Macedonia's leadership and participate in events aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.

High-Level Bilateral Meetings Scheduled

President Murmu will hold official talks with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to discuss ways to deepen relations between the two countries.

She is also scheduled to meet:

• Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski
• Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi

In addition, President Murmu will address the Parliament of North Macedonia, highlighting India's commitment to closer engagement with the region.

Focus on Trade, Technology and Investment

Economic cooperation is expected to be a major focus of the visit.

President Murmu will address the India–North Macedonia Business Forum, where discussions are likely to centre on expanding commercial partnerships in sectors such as:

• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Science and technology
• Information technology (IT)
• IT-enabled services (ITES)

Both countries have expressed interest in increasing trade and encouraging greater business collaboration.

Visit to Mother Teresa Memorial

As part of her official itinerary, President Murmu will visit the Mother Teresa Memorial in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.

Mother Teresa was born in Skopje on August 26, 1910, before leaving the region in 1928 to join the Sisters of Loreto and later dedicating her life to humanitarian work in India.

The memorial museum, established in 2009, stands on the site of the church where she was baptised.

Mother Teresa was honoured with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980.

Strengthening India's Engagement With Eastern Europe

The visit underscores New Delhi's efforts to strengthen ties with countries across Eastern Europe through increased diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation.

North Macedonia occupies a strategic position in southeastern Europe and has shown interest in expanding collaboration with India across multiple sectors.

Although the Indian community in the country is relatively small, many members are employed in information technology, academia, and multinational companies.

Romania Next on the Itinerary

Following the conclusion of her North Macedonia visit, President Murmu will travel to Romania from July 23 to July 25.

The visit will be the first by an Indian President to Romania in more than three decades, further highlighting India's renewed focus on strengthening partnerships across Eastern Europe.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the tour places particular emphasis on the three Ts:

• Trade
• Technology
• Tourism

These priorities are expected to guide discussions during the remaining leg of the President's European visit.

Key Highlights

• President Droupadi Murmu has begun the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia.
• She will hold bilateral talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
• Meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi are also scheduled.
• Murmu will address the Parliament and the India–North Macedonia Business Forum.
• She will visit the Mother Teresa Memorial in Skopje.
• The visit is part of India's broader effort to strengthen engagement with Eastern Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is President Droupadi Murmu's visit to North Macedonia historic?

It is the first-ever state visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia.

Who will President Murmu meet during the visit?

She is scheduled to meet President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi.

What is the focus of the visit?

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science, and information technology.

Why is President Murmu visiting the Mother Teresa Memorial?

Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, and the memorial commemorates her birthplace and humanitarian legacy. She later became one of India's most respected global figures.

Which country will President Murmu visit after North Macedonia?

She will travel to Romania, marking the first visit by an Indian President there in over 30 years.

What are India's priorities during the European tour?

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the tour focuses on the 3Ts—Trade, Technology, and Tourism.