The endorsement comes alongside plans for stronger India-V4 ties in trade, manufacturing, defence and technology
Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the four members of the Visegrad Group (V4), have backed India’s call for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The support came during high-level diplomatic discussions between India and the four Central European countries, with both sides also calling for reforms to global institutions to make them more representative of today’s geopolitical realities.
India has for years pushed for an expansion of the 15-member UN Security Council, arguing that its current structure does not adequately reflect the changing global balance of power or the interests of developing countries.
India, along with Brazil, Germany and Japan, forms the G4 group that supports each other’s bids for permanent seats on a reformed Security Council.
The backing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic adds support from four European countries to India’s campaign for a larger role in the UN’s top decision-making body.
The discussions also reflected growing cooperation between Central Europe and India on issues including international security, multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
More from IndiaIndia, V4 plan closer cooperation
The talks went beyond the UN reform issue, with India and the V4 countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation across several areas.
The two sides agreed to hold annual meetings of foreign ministers, creating a regular platform to discuss shared interests and international developments.
They also plan to establish a business forum aimed at increasing trade and investment, while exploring opportunities in areas such as high-tech manufacturing and resilient supply chains.
Defence and technology were other key areas discussed, with both sides looking at greater cooperation in defence manufacturing, industrial partnerships and technology exchanges.