New York, September 22 (APAC Media): India held its first V4+India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, agreeing to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and defence sectors.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the meeting as a “new historic occasion”.
India, V4 Agree on Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
The five countries agreed to deepen political, economic and strategic cooperation, including:
- Annual meetings of foreign ministers
- An Annual Business Forum to strengthen economic ties
- Greater cooperation in technology and innovation
- Stronger defence cooperation
- Partnerships in research and education
- Greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges
- Cooperation on space and connectivity
Jaishankar said India’s deepening relationship with the European Union creates an opportunity for India and the Visegrad countries to pursue special initiatives together.
Defence, Technology Cooperation in Focus
The meeting also placed emphasis on defence cooperation, with Jaishankar noting India’s longstanding defence ties with all four Visegrad countries.
The sides also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in technology, innovation, research, education and other emerging areas.
Global issues, including the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Gulf, also featured in the discussions.
Slovakia Backs India’s Permanent UNSC Seat
Following the meeting, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said the Visegrad countries agreed that India should have a place at the table as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Jaishankar said India has “very good” relations with all four Visegrad countries and welcomed the opportunity to work with the group collectively.
The first V4+India meeting marks a new platform for India’s engagement with Central Europe, with the participating countries now looking to build deeper political, economic, defence and technology partnerships.
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