Jitin Prasada Wraps Up Hungary Visit to Supercharge Trade and Tech Ties
Union Minister Jitin Prasada concludes a 3-day visit to Hungary to strengthen bilateral trade, technology, and agricultural cooperation.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, has concluded a high-impact three-day visit to Hungary. The mission was strategically designed to elevate bilateral cooperation across critical sectors, including trade, investment, innovation, and industrial development, marking a significant step in strengthening India's footprint in Central Europe.
Strengthening Diplomatic and EU Ties
A key highlight of the visit was the Minister's meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly. The discussions centered on deepening the bond between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on how this partnership fits into the broader framework of India–European Union relations. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the visit reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to building a robust economic and technological alliance with Hungary.
A Push for Emerging Technology and Research
Innovation took center stage as Minister Prasada held detailed talks with Hungary's Minister of Science and Technology. The dialogue focused on expanding cooperation in emerging technologies and research. The two leaders explored ways to create stronger linkages between the research institutions and industrial sectors of both countries to foster mutual growth and technological advancement.
Agriculture and Pharma: Exploring Synergies
The Minister's itinerary included visits to leading institutions and companies to witness Hungarian expertise firsthand:
- Agricultural Innovation: Prasada visited the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), one of Central Europe's premier institutions. The visit focused on sustainable agricultural practices, agri-technology, and collaborative research.
- Pharmaceutical Ties: The Minister visited Gedeon Richter Plc., a prominent Hungarian pharma giant. The company already maintains a manufacturing presence in India via Richter Themis Medicare (India) Pvt. Ltd., underscoring the existing industrial trust between the two nations.
Boosting Business-to-Business Engagement
To translate diplomatic talks into commercial reality, an Indian business delegation accompanied the Minister. The Embassy of India organized a comprehensive business seminar where Indian representatives engaged with several key Hungarian bodies, including:
- The Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI)
- The Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA)
- The Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA)
The event featured intensive B2B meetings, allowing companies from both sides to identify new commercial opportunities and explore avenues for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The Trade Landscape
The push for deeper ties comes against a backdrop of significant economic exchange. Government data reveals that between January and March 2026, India-Hungary bilateral trade reached USD 946.7 million. This total comprised Indian exports valued at USD 227.8 million and imports amounting to USD 718.9 million.