Slovak FM Hails India Visegrad Cooperation in Tech, Defence

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar describes the first V4-India meeting as productive, highlighting plans for regular dialogue and deeper cooperation in technology, innovation, defence, trade and multilateral affairs.

Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar describes the first India-Visegrad Group (V4) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as a productive engagement, highlighting opportunities to expand cooperation across technology, defence, trade and other strategic areas. The meeting takes place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Visegrad Group comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The inaugural V4+India ministerial meeting brings together External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and foreign ministers from the four Central European countries, creating a new multilateral platform for engagement between India and the group.

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Following the meeting, Blanar says the talks lay the groundwork for regular cooperation between India and the V4 countries. Slovakia, which currently holds the V4 presidency, has worked for several years to establish the format. Blanar says the participating countries agree to maintain regular dialogue and develop specific activities to strengthen economic and political engagement.

Economic cooperation forms a key part of the discussions, with the countries agreeing to explore an annual business forum. The proposed platform is intended to bring together companies from India and the V4 countries and facilitate greater commercial engagement, investment and business partnerships.

Technology and innovation also emerge as important areas of cooperation. Jaishankar says India and the V4 countries seek to expand collaboration in technology, innovation, research and education. Discussions also cover space, connectivity and people-to-people mobility, reflecting the broadening scope of India’s engagement with Central Europe.

Defence and security cooperation receives particular attention. Jaishankar notes that India has a strong defence relationship with each V4 member and expresses interest in renewing and advancing this cooperation. The discussions also cover resilient supply chains, education and mobility.

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The meeting further addresses major international developments, including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Gulf and wider multilateral issues. Blanar also states that the V4 countries support India’s permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

The inaugural V4+India meeting establishes a framework for continued ministerial engagement, with the participating countries agreeing to closer political cooperation, deeper economic ties, stronger technology and research partnerships, renewed defence cooperation and expanded cultural and people-to-people relations.