PRESIDENT OF INDIA IN NORTH MACEDONIA; HOLDS BILATERAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND LEADS DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS

Key Highlights:

• President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, undertook the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia on July 20-21, 2026.
• She held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia, discussing cooperation and regional issues.
• Economic cooperation was emphasized in sectors like IT/ITES, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and tourism.
• India announced doubling of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for North Macedonia, including Artificial Intelligence courses.
• North Macedonia expressed intent to join Indian-led initiatives: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuels Alliance.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit aimed to further consolidate the multifaceted partnership between India and North Macedonia, built on shared democratic values.
• Cultural and people-to-people ties, particularly in the creative industry, were highlighted as strong pillars of the bilateral relationship.
• India seeks to foster international cooperation through its global initiatives, promoting renewable energy and disaster resilience.
• North Macedonia's participation in these initiatives would allow it to draw on global best practices and technical expertise.
• The enhanced ITEC program underscores India's commitment to capacity building and skill development in partner nations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): A treaty-based intergovernmental organization working to promote solar energy globally.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): A multi-stakeholder global partnership promoting the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks.
• Global Biofuels Alliance: An initiative aimed at accelerating the global adoption of biofuels and fostering international cooperation in the sector.
• Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): A bilateral assistance program by the Government of India providing training and capacity building to developing countries.