India-Moldova Visa Waiver Agreement adds further momentum to bilateral relations

India and Moldova signed a Visa Waiver Agreement on May 10 to allow holders of diplomatic and official passports of either country to travel to the other more conveniently. The deal has added further momentum to the friendly and cordial relations shared by both.

Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Ana Taban, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Moldova, inked the agreement on Friday on behalf of their respective governments, as per an official press release.

Insights into India-Moldova bilateral relations

India and Moldova share stable and friendly bilateral relations. Earlier in January, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Mihai Popsoi on his appointment as Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Taking to X on January 30, Jaishankar noted: “Congratulate @MihaiPopsoi on your appointment as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova. Look forward to working together to further strengthen India-Moldova ties.”

India recognised Moldova on December 28, 1991, and diplomatic relations got established on March 20, 1992. Moldova cooperates sound on matters of mutual interest with India at multilateral fora including the United Nations.

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Trade links and cultural relations

India-Moldova bilateral trade has been rather modest at around $10 million mark. Major articles of exports to Moldova include meat, pharma products, organic chemicals, edible fruit and nuts, cereals, sugar and confectionery, stone, textile and garments.

Furthermore, Indian experience in information technology and traditional medicine has caught the attention of Moldova. In terms of cultural relations, the people of Moldova have an abiding interest in Indian culture, dances and films, according to the MEA.