India and Visegrad Group Strengthen Strategic Ties in New York

India and Visegrad Group Strengthen Strategic Ties in New York\n\nIn a significant development, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group (V4) in New York. The historic meeting marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between India and the four Central European countries.\n\nThe V4 group comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, and is a cultural and political alliance aimed at advancing cooperation in military, economic, cultural, and energy affairs. The first meeting of the foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group and India was held on the margins of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.\n\nJaishankar was joined by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radek Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Hungary Anita Orban, Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar, and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka for the meeting.\n\nThe meeting was described as a "new historic occasion" by Jaishankar, who hailed it as a "very worthwhile" and "very productive" discussion. The group agreed to create an annual business forum to enhance economic cooperation and explore opportunities in technology and innovation.\n\nThe V4 countries have a strong history of cooperation with India in defence, and the group agreed to refresh and take forward this cooperation. The meeting also discussed issues such as space, connectivity, and people-to-people mobility.\n\nJaishankar emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that it was a "very worthwhile" and "very productive" discussion. He also highlighted the strong relations between India and the V4 countries, citing their "very good" relations and "very distinctive capability".\n\nIn a post on X, Jaishankar outlined the key takeaways from the meeting, including closer political cooperation, deeper economic cooperation, and strengthened technology, innovation, research, and education partnerships. He also emphasized the need to reinvigorate defence cooperation and further develop cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations.\n\nThe meeting marked a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship between India and the V4 countries. The creation of an annual business forum and the enhancement of cooperation in technology, innovation, and defence are expected to have a positive impact on the region.\n\nAs India continues to deepen its relationship with the European Union, the strengthening of ties with the V4 countries is a significant development. The V4 countries have a strong industrial base, great innovation and technology talent, and a distinctive capability that makes them an attractive partner for India.\n\nIn conclusion, the meeting between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Visegrad Group ministers in New York marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between India and the four Central European countries. The creation of an annual business forum and the enhancement of cooperation in technology, innovation, and defence are expected to have a positive impact on the region and strengthen the ties between India and the V4 countries.