Hungary today came out in support of India's bid to become member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), saying its participation at the atomic trading club will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure.
The issue figured during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's wide-ranging talks with her Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto during which both sides agreed to deepen ties in range of areas including trade, information technology and education.
"Both Ministers agreed that India's participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure," a joint statement issued after the talks said.
It said Swaraj thanked Hungary for its support for India's membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and its bid to enter the NSG, adding both ministers underlined their shared interest in strengthening global non- proliferation objectives.
In their talks, the two sides exchanged views on global issues such as reform of the United Nations and to combat challenge of terrorism and climate change.
"The two Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, which constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
"They reaffirmed that any act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable regardless of its motivations, whenever and by whoever committed. In this context they called for an early adoption by the UNGA of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," the statement said.
Both the sides also underlined the need for extending cooperation in areas of trade and investment, science and technology, defence, culture and tourism.
The two ministers also discussed the prospects of free trade agreement between India and European Union in the wake of Britain's decision to exit the EU.
The talks for the FTA have been held up since May 2013 as both the sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues. Both ministers reaffirmed the need to restart negotiations aimed at a balanced India-EU FTA.
"Both Ministers affirmed the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, so as to make it more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical realities," said the statement.
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In this light, both sides expressed support for early progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UN Security Council reform and reiterated their commitment to move towards text-based negotiations.
The two ministers welcomed the successful adoption of the Paris Climate Change Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015.
India welcomed Hungary's early ratification of the Paris pact and expressed the commitment to ratify it.
On the economic side, both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing trade which had touched USD 600 million, annually.
Szijjarto talked about Indian investment in Hungary which had reached USD 2 billion that helped providing employment to more than 10,000 people.
Currently around 15 companies from India including Apollo Tyres, TCS, WIPRO, Mahindra Satyam, SMR Group and Sun Pharma were active in Hungary.
In the meeting, Szijjarto said Hungary's automotive and construction companies were keen to enter the Indian market.
He said his country was eager to participate in Clean India Mission.
The Hungarian minister also met Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed ways to boost bilateral trade, diversifying their trade basket, and achieving higher levels of mutual investment.
Szijjarto also met Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan and discussed the scope for India-Hungary cooperation in areas of innovation.
