Closer Indian-Hungarian cooperation on the horizon in global issues?

The second dialogue between the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), N. Delhi and the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT), Budapest was held on September 10, 2020.

In view of the ongoing pandemic situation, the dialogue was held in an online mode. Ambassador of India to Hungary H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin delivered the opening remarks. Director General of ICWA Dr. T C A Raghavan and Director of IFAT Mr. Márton Ugrósdy delivered the closing remarks. A number of researchers and scholars from both sides participated in two panels which covered the topics of perceptions about China and the global economic situation.

During the panel discussions, the impact of Covid-19 including on how it has served as a catalyst in

changing perceptions about China in Europe and South Asia

and the realization that over dependence on China especially for medical supplies was not in their interest was mentioned. The discussions also brought out the severity of impact that the pandemic has created on the global economy and the ongoing changes in global supply chains as well as the challenges therein.

It was agreed that ICWA and IFAT would continue their interaction and consider working together on research projects.

ICWA and IFAT have signed a cooperation agreement

under which the two institutions hold dialogue on topics of mutual interest.  The first dialogue between ICWA and IFAT had taken place in January 2019 in India covering major global, regional and bilateral developments.

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A follow up event in the form of a roundtable discussion on prospects of India-Hungary economic relations was organized by IFAT in Budapest in May 2019, attended among others by Hungarian companies which are operating in India. Bilateral dialogue and interaction between India and Hungary have continued during the pandemic situation.  The meeting of bilateral science and technology joint committee was held in August in online mode.

Secretary (West) in Ministry of External Affairs of India and Deputy State Secretary in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary also held a video conference in August to review bilateral relations.

Activities of Amrita Shergil Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India, including classes on yoga, Indian dances, etc., are also continuing.