Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra Presents Credentials to President of Romania

On 8 July 2025, at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, India’s newly appointed Ambassador to Romania, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, formally presented his Letter of Credence to His Excellency Nicușor-Daniel Dan, President of Romania. This ceremony marked the official commencement of Ambassador Mohapatra’s diplomatic mission and reaffirmed the enduring, collaborative relationship between India and Romania, which spans over seven decades.

The event was attended by both Romania’s and India’s diplomats, including officials from the Romanian Presidential Office and senior staff from the Indian Embassy in Bucharest. India and Romania established diplomatic relations in December 1948, and recently commemorated their 75th anniversary with a joint issuance of commemorative stamps on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi, a milestone highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in his remarks.

In the formal exchange, President Nicușor-Daniel Dan accepted Ambassador Mohapatra’s credentials on behalf of India. This tradition underscores Romania’s recognition of Ambassador Mohapatra as the legitimate representative of India. As standard diplomatic protocol affirms, only upon acceptance of these credentials does an ambassador formally assume duties.

The ceremony follows a pattern observed in previous Indian diplomatic accreditation events. It included customary military honors, an official procession, and a structured exchange of formal remarks. While the exact words from President Dan or Ambassador Mohapatra at this event have not been released, their speeches traditionally acknowledge the deep-rooted bilateral engagement and reaffirm mutual commitment to cooperation.

In the absence of public statements, it is also noted that India and Romania celebrated the 10th anniversary of their “Extensive Partnership” in early 2025, following its initiation in 2013. This milestone was referenced in joint statements around the stamp‑issuance ceremony, emphasizing the evolving dimensions of their relationship.

The 8 July ceremony thus stands as a ceremonial yet vital affirmation of shared diplomatic priorities. It formally empowers Ambassador Mohapatra to represent India in Romania and advance cooperative initiatives in trade, culture, science, education, and strategic dialogue. It also anchors India’s presence as it continues to engage with European Union partners beyond Western Europe.

This credential ceremony holds added significance in light of Romania’s active role in the EU and NATO, and reflects India’s calibrated effort to strengthen channels of engagement within Central and Eastern Europe. With Ambassador Mohapatra now accredited, both nations can pursue high-level conversations on ongoing trade, investment, academic collaborations, and technology partnerships.

In summary, on 8 July 2025, India and Romania observed a formal and important diplomatic reset: Ambassador Mohapatra’s credential presentation not only empowered him to fulfill his duties but symbolically reaffirmed a relationship that has matured through shared milestones—75 years of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership. As both capitals progress in their bilateral agenda, this ceremony is the necessary first step toward enhanced cooperation in an ever‑interconnected world.