New Delhi: India thanked Hungary for supporting its bid to get membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and helping it get entry at the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) even as the two countries held talks on stepping up engagement in diverse sectors.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Hungary's Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto deliberated on bilateral ties and agreed that there was scope to widen cooperation in areas of trade, information technology and education.
Official sources said Swaraj thanked Hungary for its support to India's membership of MTCR and NSG.
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.
The two ministers also discussed multilateral issues including reform of the UNSC and the election of the new Secretary General of the UN. Hungary supports India as a permanent member in a reformed UNSC.
Swaraj and Szijjarto also exchanged views on the recent spate of terror attacks and the need for adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
India has been pushing for adoption of the CCIT by the UN to effectively combat terrorism.
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.
Szijjarto also mentioned the 60th Anniversary of Celebrations of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and said that Hungary planned to recognise the positive role played by India at that time.
