President Droupadi Murmu on Monday held bilateral talks with Moldovan President Maia Sandu during the first-ever state visit by an Indian President to the East European nation, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in areas ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and digital public infrastructure to agriculture, healthcare and renewable energy.Murmu — who arrived in Chisinau on the first leg of her three-nation tour covering Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania — described the visit as a “historic milestone” that reflects the growing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.After being accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Presidential Palace, Murmu held one-on-one talks with Sandu, followed by delegation-level discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.Highlighting that India and Moldova have shared warm and friendly ties for over three decades despite geographical distance, the President stressed the need to strengthen economic engagement through greater trade and investment, resilient supply chains, improved connectivity and closer business-to-business cooperation.As part of India’s capacity-building initiatives, Murmu announced that New Delhi would double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Moldovan professionals. The enhanced programme will include specialised courses in AI and other emerging technologies. She also invited Moldovan diplomats to attend courses on AI and cyber diplomacy at India’s Foreign Service Institute.The two leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, AI and innovation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working together on global challenges and contributing to a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.Murmu was received on arrival at Chisinau International Airport by Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi.The President is accompanied by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma and Lok Sabha MP Vijay Baghel. The visit to Moldova is the first leg of her three-nation tour to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.