In News:

President Droupadi Murmu visited Romania, marking the first State Visit by an Indian President in nearly three decades. During the visit, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, science & technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

Key Highlights

• India and Romania reaffirmed their 70-year diplomatic partnership and set a target to double bilateral trade within three years. India also emphasized that the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would boost trade, investment, and opportunities for skilled professionals.
• Both countries signed three agreements covering education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to expand joint research and development (R&D) under the Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology.
• To strengthen cultural ties, an Indian Studies Chair will be established at the University of Bucharest with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). India also announced that it would double training opportunities for Romanian officials under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
• In celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries will observe 2028 as the "India–Romania Year of Innovation."

Romania at a Glance

• Romania is a South-Eastern European country with its capital at Bucharest.
• It is bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.
• Romania is a member of both the European Union (EU) and NATO.
• Major physical features include the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Basin, and the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Port of Constan?a on the Black Sea is one of Europe's major maritime gateways.