President Droupadi Murmu’s historic state visit to North Macedonia has opened new avenues for cooperation in digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and emerging technologies, reinforcing India’s expanding engagement with Europe. The visit, the first-ever by an Indian President to North Macedonia since diplomatic relations were established, placed healthcare innovation and digital transformation at the centre of the evolving bilateral partnership.

Priority Sectors Identified in Bilateral Talks

During bilateral talks with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and delegation-level discussions in Skopje, both countries identified digital technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, agriculture, automotive, and trade as priority sectors for future collaboration. The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation through technology exchange, innovation, and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and digital transformation.

Health MoU Renewed for Five More Years

A key outcome of the visit was the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation for another five years, enabling both nations to expand collaboration in healthcare services, medical technology, digital health solutions, research, and capacity building. Discussions also focused on leveraging AI-driven healthcare technologies and strengthening innovation ecosystems to improve patient care and public health outcomes.

ITEC Training Slots to Double, With New AI Courses

President Murmu also announced that India will double the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots offered to North Macedonia, with the expanded programme including artificial intelligence courses. The initiative is expected to support skill development, digital capacity building, and technology cooperation, while further strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between the two countries.

Business Forum Spotlights Investment Opportunities

Addressing the India–North Macedonia Business Forum, President Murmu highlighted India’s growing strengths in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, and digital innovation, encouraging businesses from both countries to explore long-term partnerships in healthcare manufacturing, medical technologies, and digital solutions. She described economic cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations and called for greater private-sector participation to unlock new investment opportunities.

A Bigger Step in India’s Europe Outreach

The visit marks a significant step in India’s broader Europe outreach, positioning digital health, AI, and healthcare innovation at the centre of future India-Europe cooperation. As both countries seek to modernise healthcare systems through technology and innovation, the strengthened partnership is expected to create new opportunities in medical research, digital public health infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and emerging health technologies.

FAQs on President Murmu’s North Macedonia Visit

What was the key healthcare outcome of President Murmu’s North Macedonia visit?

The two countries renewed their Memorandum of Understanding on health cooperation for another five years, covering healthcare services, medical technology, digital health, research, and capacity building.

What did India announce regarding ITEC training slots?

India announced it will double the number of ITEC training slots for North Macedonia, with the expanded programme now including Artificial Intelligence courses.

Why is this visit significant for India-Europe relations?

It was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia and places digital health, AI, and healthcare innovation at the centre of India’s broader outreach to Europe.