India-Hungary bilateral ties have promising potential

Analysis

By Angana Guha Roy 

In a momentous milestone, India and Hungary are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, a testament to enduring friendship, trust, and mutual respect. A special conference marking the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties was organised by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Budapest in November 2023. Former Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi while attending the event indicated India’s willingness to weave stronger bonds with Hungary in the near future.

Following the visit of former Minister Lekhi in November 2023, India hosted two key high-power Hungarian political figures, Mr.  Peter. Szijjarto and Mr. Balazs Orban in February and August respectively.

 Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr.  Peter Szijjarto in the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in February this year. Both discussed about significant advances  in India-Hungary bilateral ties in the ambit of political, trade, and education sector.

Mr. Balazs Orban, Political Director in Hungarian PM Office visited India in August to inaugurate a replica at Zangla village in Ladakh on the occasion of 200th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarian Linguist and founder of Tibetology, “Sándor Kőrösi Csoma . During his visit incidentally scheduled few days after PM Modi’s Ukraine visit, Mr. Orban emphasised India’s growing clout in international politics. He further praised India’s  “stabilising role” in the Russia- Ukraine conflict. Mr. Orban stressed “ we think that we are on the same side, on the side of the peace, and we try to coordinate our efforts, to convince the parties, the two parties that are involved in that conflict, and all the potential mediators to do more to stop the bloodshed.” Hungary wants a peaceful solution to Russia- Ukraine war. After Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of EU Council in July this year PM Viktor Orban undertook a “peace mission” to Moscow and Kyiv pitching for ceasefire.

India’s ties with Hungary have come a long way. About 5500 Indian professionals are living in Hungary, involved in Information and Communication Technology, Manufacturing, First generation start-ups, and most importantly culture and education. 

India’s growing confidence in the economic, political, social, military, space, and cultural affairs is an advantage for Hungary and other interested stakeholders in the region.  There are more emerging areas of cooperation wherein India and Hungary can explore their joint potential. Emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Defence manufacturing, and Climate Change & Energy require joint consultation and exchange.

India has undertaken substantial steps towards strengthening its capabilities in these sectors. First, India has amplified efforts towards building a robust ‘sovereign’ AI ecosystem. India wants to focus on AI’s real-life use cases in healthcare, agriculture, governance, and language transition to develop and deliver governance solutions at mass scale. Second, India has marked a significant milestone in its cybersecurity efforts by achieving top Tier i.e. Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity (GCI). 2024, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India’s growing cybersecurity budget aims to build a secure digital environment, foster a skilled workforce, and enhance national cybersecurity. Third,  the Indian defence sector is one of the world’s largest and most profitable industries. It is the second largest defence importer behind Saudi Arabia making up approximately 9.2% of global arms imports. 60% of the domestic defence industry is government-owned. Fourth, India has displayed commitment and leadership by taking affirmative action in climate change mitigation. On the domestic front, India has successfully decoupled its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the emission intensity of its GDP. India stands committed to reducing Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030. As of December 2023, India ranks 4th globally for the total renewable power capacity additions with a combined installed renewable energy capacity of ~180 GW5.

Hungary too has taken small and steady steps towards building its strength and capabilities in these sectors.  On the AI front, it aspires to connect stakeholders in business, research, academia and government through the Hungarian Artificial Intelligence Coalition.

Secondly, Hungary was one of the first countries in Central Europe to formulate its national cybersecurity strategy in 2013. Subsequently in 2018, the Hungarian National Cyber Security Strategy was published and implemented demonstrating its awareness and willingness to build a secure  cyber environment.

Third, in the wake of the Russia Ukraine war Hungary is increasingly realising the importance of an independent supportive defence industry. In May this year Defence Minister Kristó Szalay-Bobrovniczky while attending the Hungarian Defence Summit stressed that developing the defence industry would ensure the addition of a new cylinder in the engine of Hungarian economy. Hence, Hungary has started rebuilding its defence industry aimed at attaining military sovereignty.

Fourthly, on the climate change and energy fronts Hungary is taking steady steps through its National Energy Strategy focussed on clean, smart and affordable energy while strengthening energy independence and security, and decarbonising energy production. Hungary targets a low-carbon electricity mix of 90% by 2030, with new nuclear and renewables to play a major role.

India and Hungary’s ‘multifaceted’ bilateral ties has a promising future given that both countries focus on strengthening the traditional areas of cooperation and aim to strengthen the emerging areas of shared security concerns through dialogue and renewed commitment.  Both countries need to work on a better outreach and communication model for broader engagement.

Disclaimer: This paper is the author's individual scholastic contribution and does not necessarily reflect the organization's viewpoint.