India strengthens ties with Visegrad Group, agrees to annual ministerial meetings

India has elevated its partnership with the Visegrad Group (V4) through a series of institutional mechanisms designed to foster regular dialogue and cooperation. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar convened the inaugural high-level meeting with representatives from the four-nation Central European grouping during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The discussions encompassed key areas including defence, technology, connectivity, education and global governance issues. The engagement reflects India's expanding diplomatic footprint in Europe and its interest in strengthening ties with nations in the region beyond traditional Western European powers.

Jaishankar announced the establishment of an annual business forum involving Indian and V4 stakeholders, aimed at facilitating commercial and investment partnerships. The ministers also committed to holding formal meetings at the foreign ministry level on an annual basis, creating a structured framework for bilateral and multilateral engagement.

The Visegrad Group comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The agreement to institutionalise regular meetings at the ministerial level signals both sides' intention to move beyond ad-hoc interactions and establish sustained diplomatic engagement on matters of mutual interest.