Murmu’s North Macedonia Visit Puts Digital Health, AI Cooperation at the Centre of India-Europe Ties
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The discussions have identified digital technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence as strategic areas for future collaboration, alongside the renewal of an MoU on health cooperation for another five years.
India has strengthened its engagement with North Macedonia by placing digital technology, healthcare and artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of bilateral cooperation during President Droupadi Murmu’s landmark visit.
The discussions have identified digital technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence as strategic areas for future collaboration, alongside the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation for another five years.
During bilateral talks in Skopje, President Murmu and North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George, both sides agreed to identify new areas of cooperation to further strengthen ties, with digital technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies, including AI, being recognised as priority sectors.
The renewed health cooperation agreement aims to strengthen collaboration through joint initiatives, technology development and improvements in healthcare facilities.
Addressing the India-North Macedonia Business Forum, President Murmu highlighted digital innovation, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare as sectors offering strong investment potential.
She encouraged businesses to move beyond conventional trade and develop long-term partnerships based on technology transfer, joint ventures and local value creation.
"The bilateral trade volume shows a steady positive trajectory, but it represents only a fraction of what is possible," Murmu said.
She also stressed the importance of collaboration between startups, universities, research institutions and technology enterprises while calling for greater cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital innovation.
The two countries also explored opportunities to expand bilateral trade, improve connectivity and strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums, including reforms of the United Nations.
India noted North Macedonia's continued support for its permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council, reflecting broader strategic convergence beyond technology and healthcare.
The visit marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia since diplomatic relations were established in 1995.
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