India, Hungary Review Bilateral Ties at 11th Foreign Office Consultations

India, Feb 11 : Officials discuss trade, defence, technology, and global issues

Secretary (West) in 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, reviewing the full range of bilateral engagement.

The dialogue covered political relations, trade and investment, defence cooperation, and collaboration in science and technology. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, focusing on Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and multilateral reforms.

Wide-Ranging Cooperation in Focus

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the consultations addressed emerging sectors such as green energy, water management, pharmaceuticals, space, sports, connectivity, and educational and cultural exchanges. The discussions highlighted the shared intent to deepen cooperation across strategic and economic domains.

The previous round of consultations took place on January 19, 2021, in Budapest.

Historical Foundations of a Stable Partnership

India and Hungary maintain a longstanding relationship described by the MEA as close, friendly, and multifaceted. The partnership has endured political and economic transitions, particularly during Hungary’s post-Cold War foreign policy shift.

Hungary has historically acknowledged India’s diplomatic role during the 1956 uprising, when New Delhi’s intervention with the Soviet Union helped save the life of Arpad Goncz, who later served as Hungary’s President from 1990 to 2000.

Continued High-Level Engagement

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto visited New Delhi in March 2025 to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, underscoring sustained high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Institutional mechanisms such as the Indo-Hungary Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation further support bilateral economic dialogue. Its sixth session, held in Budapest in October 2022, reviewed and signed a cooperation protocol.

Business Links Strengthening Economic Ties

A Joint Business Council established in 1979 by FICCI and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce continues to promote direct engagement between companies from both nations. The council last met in Budapest in June 2016.

The latest India-Hungary Foreign Office Consultations reaffirm both countries’ commitment to expanding strategic cooperation while exploring new opportunities for partnership in a changing global landscape.