Historical Ties
The relationship between Hungary and India dates back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. This long-standing friendship has been significantly underscored by shared historical moments, notably India's intervention during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. During this critical time, India's diplomatic efforts played a pivotal role in securing the safety of Dr. Árpád Göncz, a prominent political figure who later became the President of Hungary from 1990 to 2000. This act of support is a testament to the deep-rooted ties that exist between the two nations, demonstrating a mutual respect and understanding that has evolved over decades.
Bilateral Interactions
The years 2019 and 2020 marked an exceptional phase of diplomatic engagement, with a series of high-level ministerial visits that further strengthened bilateral relations. The first significant visit was that of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, who traveled to Hungary in August 2019. This visit laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual interest. Following this, India's Minister of Jal Shakti, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended the Budapest Water Summit in October 2019, showcasing India’s commitment to global water management issues. The visits culminated in January 2020, with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Peter Szijjarto, visiting India, which heralded increased diplomatic exchanges and collaboration on various fronts.
Recent Developments
In January 2021, Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West) in India's Ministry of External Affairs, visited Hungary for the 10th round of Foreign Office Consultations. This meeting provided both nations an opportunity to discuss ongoing issues, assess collaborative projects, and explore new areas for partnership. The Hungarian government's support for India regarding sensitive topics such as the Kashmir situation and the Citizenship Amendment Act protests in 2019 further reinforced the friendly ties between the two countries. Such gestures highlight Hungary's alignment with India's diplomatic stances, illustrating the depth of their political relationship.
Overall, the historical context, continual high-level dialogue, and mutual support on key issues demonstrate that the Hungary-India relationship is not just a matter of political necessity but rather a genuine partnership rooted in shared values and aspirations for the future.
Economic Relations
Hungary and India share a vibrant economic relationship that has been gradually evolving over the years. Traditionally, Hungarian exports to India have been concentrated in high technology and industrial products such as automobiles, telecommunications equipment, and information technology solutions. The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is eager to diversify this export portfolio by enhancing the focus on agricultural and food products, aiming to broaden trade ties with India.
With Indian companies investing approximately $2 billion in Hungary, there appears to be a significant opportunity for further growth in bilateral investments. This investment has not only strengthened Hungary's economic landscape but has also facilitated technological transfer and expertise in various sectors. Indian firms operating within Hungary create substantial employment opportunities, with over 10,000 individuals benefiting from these jobs. This figure underscores the robust presence and influence of Indian businesses in the Hungarian market.
The areas of cooperation between Hungary and India are multifaceted, encompassing various industries. Potential collaboration includes advancing research and development in sectors such as automotive components, healthcare, and machine tools. Additionally, both nations can leverage their strengths in agriculture machinery and non-conventional energy, tapping into Hungary's manufacturing capabilities and India's demand for innovation in these fields. The partnership in electronics, information technology, and pharmaceuticals also presents significant opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint ventures.
Moreover, the higher education sector remains an intriguing area of cooperation, with possibilities for student exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives. The entertainment industry, particularly in film and media, is another avenue where cultural exchanges can foster greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations. Overall, the evolution of economic relations between Hungary and India holds promise for a more robust partnership that can benefit both countries across various sectors while creating new avenues for growth and development.
Cultural Engagements
The cultural relations between Hungary and India have been strengthened through consistent initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been actively involved in promoting Hindi language education by deploying a Visiting Professor of Hindi to Hungary since 1992. This endeavor underscores the commitment to fostering educational ties and cultural exchange. The longstanding presence of Hindi language in Hungary has paved the way for a growing interest in Indian culture, which is reflected in the appreciation of Indian classical arts and traditions.
Hungarians have demonstrated a significant enthusiasm for various elements of Indian culture, particularly in the realms of dance, music, yoga, and meditation. The establishment of over 200 yoga centers highlights the widespread popularity and acceptance of these practices among the local population. Additionally, around six schools dedicated to Indian dances and music contribute to a structured approach to preserving and promoting these art forms within Hungary. This cultural curiosity has been further amplified by regular visits from Indian cultural troupes, which showcase traditional performances and engage with local communities, thereby strengthening cultural bonds and fostering greater appreciation for Indian artistic expressions.
The diplomatic and cultural relationship has not only been sustained but has also evolved, as articulated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who emphasized the notion that both countries serve as bridges connecting Europe and Asia. Such metaphoric bridges signify the potential for collaboration and partnership that transcends geographical boundaries. A noteworthy milestone in this diplomatic journey was marked on 18 November 2020, when an interview-based video series was launched by the Embassy of India to highlight the key aspects and developments in India-Hungary relations. This initiative was inaugurated by prominent leaders including the Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, Mr. László Kövér, and Indian Ambassador Kumar Tuhin, in commemoration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As these cultural exchanges continue to flourish, they are expected to serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including trade, technology, and education. The rich tapestry of Hungarian and Indian cultural interplay offers opportunities for both nations to explore collaborative ventures, thereby enhancing their global presence and contributing to a more interconnected world. The ongoing efforts in promoting the richness of Indian culture in Hungary not only reflect the historical ties between the two nations but also highlight a forward-looking approach aimed at mutual growth and understanding.
Diplomatic Relations
Hungary and India maintain a robust diplomatic presence in each other's countries to foster bilateral relations. Hungary has established its primary diplomatic mission in India through the Embassy located in New Delhi. Additionally, Hungary has opened two honorary consulates in the Indian cities of Chennai and Kolkata, which serve as important points of contact for diplomatic, trade, and cultural engagement. The Consulate General in Mumbai has been particularly notable since its inception in 2014 under the leadership of Consul General Dr. Norbert Révai-Bere. This mission plays a vital role in strengthening ties, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people connectivity between the two nations.
Conversely, India maintains its diplomatic presence in Hungary through the Embassy of India located in Budapest. This presence allows for ongoing dialogue and collaboration across various sectors, including trade, education, culture, and technology. Both nations have expressed a strong interest in expanding their bilateral relations, which have seen significant developments over the years, notably in educational exchanges and business partnerships.
Trade Relations
Economic exchanges between Hungary and India have shown a positive trajectory over recent years, highlighting an increasingly interconnected relationship. In 2015, Indian exports to Hungary were valued at approximately $364.9 million, while imports from Hungary stood at $213.4 million, resulting in a total trade volume of $578.3 million. This trade dynamic has fluctuated slightly in the following years, with exports steadily rising to $489.6 million in 2019, despite a decrease in imports to $254.5 million, leading to a total trade volume of $744.1 million for that year.
The year 2020, however, saw a significant dip in trade volume, largely due to the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. From January to July, Indian exports totaled $260.9 million, while imports were at $137.4 million, bringing the total trade to $398.4 million. This decline illustrates the vulnerabilities in trade flows during unprecedented global challenges, but also emphasizes the resilience and potential for recovery in future trade relations.
Both Hungary and India are potential partners in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, information technology, and renewable energy. As both nations look to diversify their economies and build sustainable growth, enhanced cooperation through trade agreements and initiatives will be essential to reinvigorate and elevate their economic partnership to new heights in the coming years.