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Consolidating the Balkan Axis: President Murmu’s Landmark State Visit to North Macedonia Reshapes India’s Southeastern Europe Outreach

By External Affairs • July 20, 2026
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President Smt. Droupadi Murmu held discussions with H.E. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia at Villa Vodno in Skopje | External Affairs

New Delhi | July 21, 2026 | External Affairs

In a historic milestone for India’s expanding European diplomacy, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, completed a successful State Visit to the Republic of North Macedonia from July 20 to 22, 2026. Marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the Balkan nation, the high-profile engagement anchored New Delhi’s multi-vector strategic posture in Southeastern Europe.

The three-day tour—comprising delegation-level talks, an address to the India-North Macedonia Business Forum, and symbolic cultural unveilings—focused on elevating economic partnerships, deepening technology transfers under the "3 Ts" (Trade, Technology, Tourism), and strengthening joint commitments to global climate resilience.

1. Delegation-Level Talks and Strategic Convergence

President Murmu commenced her official engagements at Villa Vodno in Skopje on July 21, receiving a ceremonial welcome and guard of honor hosted by President Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.



  • Pillars of Bilateral Ties: During one-to-one and delegation-level talks, both leaders reaffirmed shared democratic values and reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties. Discussions prioritized high-yield sectors including IT/ITeS, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biotechnology, tourism, hospitality, and filmmaking.


  • Capacity Building Initiatives: To support North Macedonia’s institutional development, President Murmu announced India's decision to double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots, specifically incorporating specialized courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI).


  • Global Climate Frameworks: Highlighting India's leadership in sustainable development, President Murmu welcomed North Macedonia's intent to join India-led international initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). These memberships will enable North Macedonia to draw on global technical expertise and best practices for green energy transition and disaster management.

2. The India-North Macedonia Business Forum: Unlocking Frontier Markets

Addressing the inaugural session of the India-North Macedonia Business Forum on July 21 alongside President Siljanovska-Davkova and key cabinet ministers, President Murmu emphasized that bilateral commercial relations represent a "frontier waiting to be fully conquered."

  • Investment & Value Creation: Urging businesses to move beyond immediate transactional trade toward long-term commercial relationships, President Murmu called for deep-tech joint ventures, technology transfers, local value creation, and joint employment generation.


  • Focus on Startups & Deep-Tech: The President advocated for structured linkages among startups, universities, research institutions, and tech enterprises, specifically targeting Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.


  • Creative Economy & WAVES Invitation: Highlighting the potential of creative industries and media, President Murmu invited North Macedonia to actively participate in the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled to take place in India next year.

3. Symbolic and Civilizational Ties: Honoring Legacy and Values

On July 22, the visit concluded with powerful cultural engagements reinforcing the deep historical and human connections between the two societies:

  • Memorial of Mother Teresa: Accompanied by President Siljanovska-Davkova, President Murmu visited the Memorial of Mother Teresa in Skopje. Honoring the Nobel laureate who was born in Skopje before dedicating her life to humanitarian service in India (where she was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1980), both leaders celebrated her legacy as an enduring bridge between the two nations.


  • Gandhi Bust Unveiling: In a joint ceremony alongside President Siljanovska-Davkova and Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski at the Museum of the City of Skopje, President Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu stated that Gandhiji's message belongs to all humanity, serving as a lasting symbol of peaceful dialogue, non-violence, and shared commitment to justice and dignity in a fractured world.

4. Strategic Delegation Composition

Reflecting the multi-sectoral importance of the visit, the Indian delegation accompanied by the President included:

  • Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

  • Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Member of Parliament.

  • Shri Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament.

Geopolitical Takeaway

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit successfully positions North Macedonia as an important partner in India's broader European strategy. By integrating economic incentives, capacity building in frontier technologies like AI, climate alliance expansions, and shared civilizational values, India has set a solid foundation to take its multifaceted partnership with Skopje to new strategic heights.