BUCHAREST (TIP): Dr. Manoj Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania, undertook an official visit to Târgoviște and Gorj County on 28–29 September 2026. During the visit, the Ambassador held meetings with local and regional authorities, university representatives and business stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening India-Romania cooperation in critical raw materials, energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, research and innovation, investment and technical education. The visit also included a cultural engagement highlighting the importance of people-to-people contacts in further strengthening bilateral relations.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties in Târgoviște
On 28 September, the Ambassador attended a cultural programme in Târgoviște in the presence of Mr. Daniel-Cristian Stan, Mayor of Târgoviște; Mr. Corneliu Ștefan, President of the Dâmbovița County Council; and Mr. Ioan Corneliu Sălișteanu, Rector of Valahia University.
Indian exchange students participated in the programme and presented traditional Indian dances, providing an opportunity for the local community and Indian students to interact through cultural exchange. The programme highlighted the contribution of academic and student exchanges to promoting greater mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Romania.
The Ambassador appreciated the support extended by the local authorities and the university community towards promoting cultural and educational exchanges and noted the importance of such linkages alongside the expanding economic and institutional partnership between India and Romania.
Cooperation in Critical Raw Materials and Investment in Baia de Fier
During his visit to Baia de Fier, the Ambassador met Mr. Dumitru Turbăceanu, Mayor of Baia de Fier, and discussed the economic potential of the area and avenues for cooperation with India. The discussions included the potential of the region’s graphite resources in the context of growing global attention to critical raw materials. Opportunities for Indian investment, technology cooperation and engagement between Indian companies and local stakeholders were also discussed.
The Ambassador highlighted India’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Romania in critical raw materials and associated value chains, including processing, technology, manufacturing and investment. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss strengthening institutional and people-to-people linkages between India and Baia de Fier.
Advancing India-Gorj Cooperation in Strategic Sectors
On 29 September, the Ambassador continued his engagements in Târgu Jiu and met Ms. Luminița Georgeta Popescu, Rector of Constantin Brâncuși University; Mr. Cosmin Mihai Popescu, President of the Gorj County Council; Mr. Marcel-Laurențiu Romanescu, Mayor of Târgu Jiu; and Mr. Dumitru Turbăceanu, Mayor of Baia de Fier.
The discussions covered opportunities for India–Gorj cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy, critical raw materials, advanced manufacturing, technology, research and innovation, investment and technical education. The participants explored possibilities for greater engagement between Indian companies, Romanian institutions and businesses in Gorj County.
The discussions also focused on leveraging the industrial capabilities and natural resources of Gorj County through partnerships with Indian companies and institutions. The participation of business representatives provided an opportunity to identify potential avenues for business-to-business cooperation.
The Ambassador highlighted the scope for strengthening cooperation between universities and technical institutions in India and Romania, particularly in research and innovation, skills development and technical education. Such cooperation could contribute to capacity building and the development of skills and technological capabilities relevant to the region’s future industrial development.
The Ambassador thanked Ms. Ana Maria for facilitating the Embassy’s engagement with Gorj County and for her contribution towards strengthening institutional and people-to-people linkages between India and the region.
Strengthening Regional and Economic Partnerships
The Ambassador’s engagements in Târgoviște, Baia de Fier and Târgu Jiu highlighted the potential for strengthening India–Romania cooperation at the regional level through greater engagement among local authorities, academic institutions, businesses and other stakeholders.
The visit focused on practical opportunities for cooperation in critical raw materials, energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, research and innovation, investment and technical education, while also underscoring the importance of cultural and educational exchanges in deepening bilateral relations.
The Embassy of India will continue to engage with Romanian regions and institutions to facilitate partnerships and promote greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including investment, technology, innovation, skills development and people-to-people exchanges.
(Based on a Press Release issued by the Embassy of India in Bucharest)
