India and the four Visegrad Group (V4) countries, comprising Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have agreed to strengthen their ties in political, economic, technology, defence, and people-to-people areas. This agreement was reached during the first V4 and India Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between India and the V4 countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that India and the V4 countries will hold annual meetings of foreign ministers and establish an annual business forum. This decision was made to foster greater economic engagement and people-to-people ties between the nations. Jaishankar described the gathering as a "new historic occasion" and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, and defence.
India and the V4 countries have a strong history of defence cooperation, which they aim to refresh and expand. Jaishankar highlighted the existing defence ties between India and the V4 countries, stating that they want to build on this foundation. The countries also discussed cooperation in space, connectivity, and people-to-people mobility, noting the presence of Indian students in each of the V4 countries.
The meeting also saw an exchange of views on major global developments, including the Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Gulf. Jaishankar mentioned that the discussions covered these critical issues, demonstrating the shared concerns and interests of the nations. The V4 countries support India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council, recognizing India's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar expressed the V4 countries' support for India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council. He emphasized India's role as a key player in the Global South and its growing importance in the region. This endorsement reflects the strong diplomatic ties between India and the V4 countries.
Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury during his UNGA engagements. These meetings provided an opportunity for India to engage with other nations on various issues and strengthen its diplomatic relationships.
The agreements reached during the V4 and India Foreign Ministers' Meeting mark a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between India and the V4 countries. The annual meetings of foreign ministers and the business forum will provide a platform for the nations to engage in regular dialogue and collaboration.
Key points
- India and V4 countries to hold annual meetings of foreign ministers and establish an annual business forum.
- V4 countries support India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
- India and V4 countries aim to strengthen defence cooperation and expand ties in technology, innovation, and people-to-people areas.
