President Murmu arrives in North Macedonia on historic state visit

President Droupadi Murmu landed in North Macedonia on Tuesday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the Balkan nation. The trip is being seen as a significant push to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement between New Delhi and Skopje.

The President was received by senior officials at the airport in the capital, Skopje, with ceremonial honours. This visit comes just days after her engagements in neighbouring Moldova, where she called on businesses to 'Come and explore India'.

Historic first for bilateral ties

Until now, no Indian President had set foot in North Macedonia since the country gained independence in 1991. The visit underscores India's growing focus on Central and Eastern Europe, a region New Delhi has been courting for trade and strategic partnerships.

Officials from both sides have indicated that discussions will cover a wide spectrum. Key topics include reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and joint efforts to combat terrorism. India has long pushed for a permanent seat at the UNSC, and North Macedonia has supported its candidature in the past.

Trade and connectivity on the agenda

North Macedonia has proposed direct connectivity with India, aiming to boost travel and student exchanges. The proposal, if implemented, could significantly lower barriers for Indian students looking to study in European universities and for businesses seeking new supply routes.

President Murmu is expected to meet her North Macedonian counterpart, as well as the country's Prime Minister, to sign several bilateral agreements. These are likely to cover sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

India's exports to North Macedonia have been modest, but both sides see room for growth. The President's visit is expected to pave the way for Indian companies to explore opportunities in the Balkan region, which serves as a gateway to the larger European market.

Cultural and people-to-people ties

Cultural diplomacy is also a key component of the visit. President Murmu is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in North Macedonia, which, though small, has been active in promoting Indian traditions and yoga.

The Indian embassy in Sofia, which also covers North Macedonia, has been organising events to familiarise locals with Indian cuisine, music, and films. The visit is likely to give a further boost to these cultural exchanges.

The President's itinerary includes a visit to a local university and a meeting with business leaders to discuss investment opportunities. She is also expected to lay a wreath at a war memorial, a standard protocol during state visits.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of agreements to be signed, but sources suggest that at least half a dozen memoranda of understanding are ready for exchange.

The visit is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, after which President Murmu will return to New Delhi. Both governments have described the trip as 'historic' and have expressed optimism about the future trajectory of relations.