India and Hungary have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen their strategic engagement within the India-European Union (EU) framework. The two nations discussed ways to advance their partnership, enhance economic and political collaboration, and accelerate the early conclusion of the India-EU trade pact.

The discussions took place during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Hungary, Anshuman Gaur, and Barna Pal Zsigmond, Deputy Minister and Parliamentary State Secretary at Hungary’s Ministry of European Union Affairs.

“Ambassador had a comprehensive and fruitful meeting with Mr. Barna Pal Zsigmond, Deputy Minister and Parliamentary State Secretary, Ministry of European Union Affairs of Hungary. Excellent discussion on strengthening the India-Hungary bilateral partnership and enhancing cooperation on issues concerning the India-EU Strategic Partnership and early conclusion of India-EU trade pact. A shared commitment to boosting ties in the economic and political spheres,” the Indian Embassy in Hungary stated on X (formerly Twitter).

India and Hungary have historically shared warm, multifaceted, and people-centric relations. The Hungarian people continue to recall India’s role in the 1956 Hungarian uprising, when New Delhi’s diplomatic intervention with the Soviet Union helped save the life of Arpad Goncz, who later became Hungary’s President (1990–2000).

Beyond politics, cultural and educational exchanges remain key pillars of India-Hungary relations. India’s spiritual traditions, rich heritage, and advancements in the “knowledge sector” have found deep resonance among the Hungarian people.

As part of ongoing cultural engagement, the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India in Budapest recently hosted a special event marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.”

The celebration, attended by members of the Indian community and Hungarian friends of India, featured group performances and excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during the main event in New Delhi. Ambassador Gaur highlighted the song’s enduring historical and emotional significance, calling it a symbol of India’s cultural unity and spirit of independence.

The Embassy described the event as “a moving and vibrant tribute” that brought together the Indian diaspora and Hungarian well-wishers in celebrating shared cultural values and friendship between the two nations.