The Eastern European nation of Moldova is keen to establish partnerships in the Indian market for trade and business alike. Diana Moraru, Founder & CEO, Moldova-India Partnerships spoke to Disha Shah Ghosh about her vision and the brand positioning of Moldova.

Q1. What is the geographical location of Moldova, and its regional proximity to the established tourism markets in Europe and Eurasia?
A1. Moldova is a small yet beautifully positioned country in Eastern Europe, nestled between Romania and Ukraine. Its capital and main gateway, Chișinău, lies just about 13 km from the airport, making access incredibly convenient.
Because of its central location, Moldova enjoys excellent connectivity to the wider European tourism network. The Chișinău International Airport now offers direct flights to several major European hubs, including Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Vienna, Rome and Warsaw.
This means travellers from India can easily reach Moldova via one of these hubs – and once in Chișinău, they are perfectly placed to explore the broader Central and Eastern European region. In short, Moldova gives you the feel of an authentic, less-crowded European experience while keeping you well connected to the continent’s main travel circuits.

Q2. How do you plan to introduce Moldova as a tourist destination in the Indian market, and the kind of brand positioning you are looking at?
A2. Our goal is to introduce Moldova as Europe’s warm and welcoming heart – a destination where culture, nature and hospitality blend effortlessly.
For the Indian market, our approach focuses on storytelling that highlights experiences rather than just sightseeing: wine tourism, cultural exchanges, festivals, local craftsmanship and culinary journeys. And speaking of food – I keep hearing from so many Indians who have visited Moldova that they absolutely loved the “plăcintă” – a traditional pastry filled with cheese, potatoes, or cherries.

Recently, from 17–24 October, Moldova hosted an international FAM trip for tourism representatives from 10 countries, and I am proud to share that India had one delegate participating. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Moldova’s wine routes, rural charm, and heartfelt hospitality first-hand – a great step toward building stronger tourism links between our countries.

We aim to position Moldova as an emerging European destination that’s affordable, safe and rich in genuine experiences – perfect for travellers seeking something authentic yet accessible. The goal isn’t to compete with Western Europe but to complement it, offering a refreshing and soulful escape for Indians looking beyond the usual European circuit.

Q3. In terms of accessibility, which options can an Indian opt for to travel to Moldova?
A3. While there are no direct flights from India to Moldova yet, the country is very well-connected through major European hubs. Most travellers fly via Istanbul, Bucharest, Vienna, or Warsaw, with smooth and convenient connections to Chișinău, Moldova’s capital.
What’s also encouraging is Moldova’s mobility facilitation policy. Indian tourists who already hold a valid Schengen, U.K. or U.S. visa can enter Moldova without needing a separate Moldovan visa. This makes travel planning far easier and more flexible, especially for those already visiting Europe and wishing to extend their trip to discover Moldova’s unique charm.

Q4. India enjoys diplomatic ties with Moldova. In that context, what is the visa process for Indian nationals?
A4. Yes, India and Moldova share strong and friendly diplomatic relations and the visa process for Indian travellers is quite straightforward. Indian nationals can apply for a Moldovan visa online through the country’s official e-visa portal, by submitting standard documents like a passport, photo, travel insurance and itinerary.

For Indian officials holding diplomatic or official passports, there is an added convenience – they do not require a visa to enter Moldova. It’s a clear reflection of the trusted relationship between our two nations, built over years of mutual respect and cooperation.