President Murmu addresses India-North Macedonia Business Forum in Skopje
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the India-North Macedonia Business Forum in Skopje on July 21, 2026, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia. She highlighted the vast untapped potential in economic and commercial ties between the two nations.
Background
India and North Macedonia have growing trade relations, but current volumes remain a fraction of the potential. The visit aims to deepen cooperation in sectors like digital innovation, AI, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agro-processing, and green energy.
Key facts
President Murmu addressed the India-North Macedonia Business Forum in Skopje on 21 July 2026.
This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia.
She emphasized that economic and commercial relations are a new area with immense potential.
Current trade volume is only a small part of achievable possibilities.
She called for increased investment in digital innovation, AI, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agro-processing, and green energy.
She invited North Macedonia to participate in the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in India next year.
She urged partnerships between startups, universities, research institutes, and tech companies.
She stressed the need for technology transfer, joint ventures, local value addition, and job creation.
She encouraged business chambers and trade organizations to facilitate mutual visits and long-term partnerships.
Prelims pointers
- President: Droupadi Murmu
- North Macedonia President: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova
- Capital of North Macedonia: Skopje
- WAVES: World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit
Mains angles
- GS2: India's bilateral relations with North Macedonia and potential for economic cooperation.
- GS3: Role of trade and investment in strengthening India's ties with Balkan nations.
- GS2: Significance of high-level visits in enhancing diplomatic and commercial engagement.