India’s long-standing campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council received fresh support from four European nations. Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Czechia backed India’s bid during the first high-level Visegrad Group (V4) plus India meeting in New York.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the meeting. He described the gathering as a “new historic occasion.”
Four European Nations Back India
The Visegrad Group includes Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia. The four countries expressed support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said the four V4 countries agreed that India should have a permanent place at the UN’s top decision-making body.
He highlighted India’s role in the Global South and its growing position in the Indo-Pacific region.
The support adds another diplomatic voice to India’s long-running demand for Security Council reform. India has repeatedly called for a more representative UN system.
Jaishankar Calls the Meeting Historic
Jaishankar described the first V4-India ministerial meeting as a historic development in India’s engagement with Central Europe.
He said the discussions covered several areas. These included political relations, economic cooperation, defence, technology, space and connectivity.
The meeting also focused on people-to-people links. Student exchanges and cultural cooperation formed part of the discussions.
Jaishankar said India and the V4 countries agreed to develop their relationship through regular engagement. The foreign ministers also agreed to meet annually.
Focus on Economic and Business Ties
Economic cooperation formed another important part of the meeting. India and the V4 countries agreed to create an Annual Business Forum.
The forum aims to bring businesses from India and Central Europe closer. It could provide a regular platform for companies to explore investment and trade opportunities.
Jaishankar said India’s relationship with the European Union continues to deepen. He also highlighted the importance of developing special initiatives with the V4 countries.
The four Central European nations have strong industrial and technological capabilities. India sees opportunities for greater cooperation in these areas.
Defence Cooperation to Get Fresh Push
Defence cooperation also featured prominently during the discussions. India has maintained defence links with the four V4 countries for several decades.
Jaishankar said India wants to “refresh and take forward” its defence cooperation with the group.
The two sides also discussed technology and innovation. Space cooperation and connectivity formed part of the broader agenda.
These areas could create new opportunities for cooperation between Indian institutions and Central European partners.
India’s Longstanding UNSC Reform Demand
India has sought permanent membership of the UN Security Council for decades. New Delhi argues that the Council needs reforms to reflect the current global balance.
The Security Council currently has five permanent members. They are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Council also has 10 non-permanent members. UN member states elect them for two-year terms.
India continues to seek a permanent place as part of wider reforms to the Council. It has also launched its campaign for another non-permanent term for 2028-29.
V4 Meeting Comes During UNGA
The first V4-India meeting took place during a busy diplomatic week in New York. World leaders and foreign ministers have gathered for the 81st UN General Assembly.
The meeting gave India an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with Central Europe. It also provided a platform to discuss major international developments.
Jaishankar and his counterparts exchanged views on issues including the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Gulf.
The meeting therefore covered both bilateral cooperation and wider global issues.
Annual Meetings to Strengthen Engagement
India and the V4 countries agreed to maintain regular political dialogue. Annual meetings of foreign ministers will provide a structured platform for future discussions.
The proposed business forum will add an economic dimension to the relationship. The countries also plan to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections.
Jaishankar said India views the V4 countries as partners with strong industrial, technological and innovation capabilities.
A New Chapter in India-Central Europe Relations
The V4 endorsement gives India additional diplomatic support for its permanent UNSC membership campaign. At the same time, the meeting created a broader framework for cooperation.
Defence, technology, space, business and cultural exchanges now form part of the India-V4 agenda. Annual ministerial meetings could help maintain momentum.
For India, the engagement also strengthens its wider European outreach. For the V4 countries, it creates another channel for cooperation with a major Asian economy and a key Global South partner.
The first V4-India meeting has therefore opened a new institutional channel between India and Central Europe. The next phase will focus on turning the agreements into regular cooperation across political, economic, technological and strategic areas.