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India, Hungary Strengthen Ties in 11th Foreign Office Consultations

Senior diplomats from India and Hungary convened for the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations to review their broad bilateral engagement. The discussions covered political affairs, trade, investment, defence, and science & technology, alongside regional issues concerning Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Both sides emphasized cooperation in green energy, pharmaceuticals, space, and connectivity, aiming to build on historically close ties. The consultations underscore a mutual commitment to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.

Key Points: India-Hungary Review Bilateral Ties in Key Diplomatic Talks

  • Reviewed political & trade ties
  • Discussed defence & tech cooperation
  • Focused on Indo-Pacific & Europe
  • Explored multilateral reforms
2 min read

India, Hungary review bilateral ties in 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations

India and Hungary held the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations, reviewing political, trade, defence, and global issues for stronger ties.

"They reviewed the entire spectrum of engagement... Stronger ties ahead! - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, February 11

Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, on Wednesday held the 11th round of India-Hungary Foreign Office Consultations with Hungarian State Secretary Boglarka Illes.

George and Illes reviewed the entire spectrum of engagement, including political affairs, trade & investment, defence, science & technology, etc.

The consultations also included discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two sides focused on key topics related to Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and multilateral reforms.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (West) Sibi George held the 11th round of India-Hungary Foreign Office Consultations with Hungarian State Secretary Ms. Boglarka Illes. They reviewed the entire spectrum of engagement including political affairs, trade & investment, defence, science & technology, green energy, water management, pharmaceuticals, space, sports, connectivity, educational & cultural ties. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest including on Europe, Indo-Pacific & multilateral reforms. Stronger ties ahead!"

Earlier, the 10th round of FOCs was held on January 19, 2021, in Budapest.

Relations between India and Hungary have been close and friendly, multifaceted and substantive. They have survived the vicissitudes of political and economic changes, particularly in Hungary and the reorientation of its foreign policy in the post-Cold War period, as per MEA.

Hungarians are extremely grateful for India's role in the 1956 uprising in Hungary. India's intervention with the Soviet Union saved the life of Arpad Goncz, who subsequently served as President of Hungary from 1990 to 2000.

On 18th March, 2025, Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, visited New Delhi to attendthe 10th edition of Raisina Dialogue (17-19 March 2025).

The Indo-Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation provides the institutional framework for intergovernmental discussions on economic cooperation. The 6th Session was held in Budapest on 17-18 October 2022, when the Protocol for cooperation was reviewed and signed, MEA states.

A Joint Business Council of Indian and Hungarian companies was set up in 1979 under an agreement between FICCI and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce to promote direct contacts between business delegations. The last meeting of the JBC was held in Budapest, Hungary, in June 2016.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The historical connection mentioned here is fascinating. I had no idea about India's role in the 1956 Hungarian uprising. Our foreign policy has always had a humane touch. This long-standing friendship is a solid foundation to build on.
R
Rohit P
Good move. Hungary is a gateway to Central Europe. Expanding trade, especially in pharmaceuticals and green tech, can create many jobs here. Hope our MSMEs get a fair chance in these agreements.
S
Sarah B
While the diplomatic talks sound positive, I hope there's more transparency on the outcomes. "Reviewing the entire spectrum" is vague. What concrete agreements on water management or educational exchanges were reached? The public deserves clearer details.
V
Vikram M
Discussing the Indo-Pacific with a European partner is significant. It shows our foreign policy is becoming more strategic and interconnected. Stronger ties with Hungary can be beneficial in multilateral forums like the UN.
K
Kavya N
The Joint Business Council hasn't met since 2016? That's an 8-9 year gap! Bureaucracy moves so slowly. For "stronger ties ahead," we need these institutional meetings to be regular and result-oriented. Let's hope the 11th consultations speed things up.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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