By IANS
New Delhi : India will seek the support of Hungary, a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, in its quest for global civil nuclear cooperation during the four-day visit of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány here beginning Wednesday.
“The visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány takes place at a time when there is an increasing desire on both sides to engage more deeply with each other,” Indian external affairs ministry said here Tuesday.
The visit of the East European country will help further strengthen the bonds of traditional friendship and goodwill and focus attention on enhancing bilateral cooperation in a cross-sectoral manner, the ministry said.
Gyurcsány will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide array of bilateral and international issues, including intensification of economic ties between the two countries.
Manmohan Singh is likely to seek Hungary’s support in the NSG when he holds talks with his Hungarian counterpart.
As India negotiates a safeguards agreement with the IAEA, it has activated its diplomacy with the NSG countries.
The NSG operates by consensus. That’s why the approval of each of the 45 countries of the NSG for the India-US civil nuclear deal is important before the group amends its guidelines to allow global civil nuclear commerce with New Delhi.
The Hungarian leader will also meet President Pratibha Patil, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.
The Hungarian leader will address a business conclave, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), in Gurgaon Wednesday.
Hungary backs India’s candidature for a permanent seat on an expanded UN Security Council.
Bilateral trade between the two countries is growing, although it is much below potential. India’s exports to Hungary in 2006-2007 amounted to $142.5 million, while imports from Hungary were $128.3 million.
Indian companies have acquired a presence in Hungary in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, power, and auto-components. Information technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and automobile components are some of areas for future growth.