India, Hungary discussed need to create 'global normative framework' against terrorism: PM

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh,and his Hungarian counterpart Dr. Viktor Orban met here on Thursday, and discussed the impact of terrorism and extremism to their respective democratic societies.

Dr Manmohan Singh said after the meeting:"Prime Minister Orban and I also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and international issues. We both recognized that terrorism and extremism pose a common threat to modern democratic societies like India and Hungary. We noted the need to create a global normative framework against terrorism and agreed to deepen our cooperation in this regard".

Dr. Singh further said that India and Hungary have several common factors that bring them together, lauding the thriving democratic functioning, dynamic economic systems and commitment to combat terrorism and violence in both countries.

"Like India, Hungary is a thriving democracy. It is a dynamic economy at the heart of a transforming Central Europe and a member of the European Union. Indian investors are increasingly finding a home in Hungary," Dr. Singh said.

"In our own ways, both our countries are making important contributions to security and development in Afghanistan. Hungary has also been supportive of concerted global action for combating terrorism. All this gives us reason to work closely together for strengthening our relations," he added.

Dr. Singh appreciated Hungary's support on international issues, including India's candidature for a permanent membership of the reformed UN Security Council and the 2008 decision of the Nuclear Suppliers Group on civil nuclear cooperation with India. I have sought Prime Minister Orban's support for India's full membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other multilateral export control regimes.

Dr. Singh said that both countries have decided to strengthen their cooperation in the area of defence technology, and added that Hungary possesses advanced technology in niche areas of defence industry that can become a reliable partner in India's efforts for modernization of their country's defence.

Speaking on the Dr. Viktor Orban's first ever visit to India, Dr. Singh said: "I appreciate his strong personal commitment to deepening the relations between our two countries, which have traditionally been very close and friendly due to the remarkable history of cultural and people-to-people ties."

Specifically, expressing his satisfaction with the Prime Ministerial level talks earlier today, Dr. Singh said: "Prime Minister Orban and I had very productive discussions today in which we reviewed the entire spectrum of our relations. We agreed that we can substantially expand our economic relations by leveraging our complementary strengths, India's large and growing market and Hungary's membership of the European Union."

Dr. Singh also welcomed the work done by the Joint Economic Committee, which met earlier this week and identified priority areas for cooperation, including information technology, pharmaceuticals, auto components, healthcare, tourism, energy, engineering goods and food processing, among others.

"I also sought Prime Minister Orban's support for an early conclusion of the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement, which would enhance trade and investment flows between India and Hungary," Dr. Singh said.

Dr. Singh also commended the productive collaboration in the field of Science and Technology, and said that it has been benefited from the annual contribution of one million Euros each to a Joint Strategic Research Fund. " This would enable us to undertake new projects involving high-end technologies," he said.

Appreciating the strong cultural bonds between the two countries, Dr. Singh said: "Hungary has an admirable tradition of scholarship in the field of Indology. We will continue to nurture this important strand of our relationship through continued support to Indian studies through fellowships and exchanges. I am confident that the activities planned under the Cultural Exchange Programme 2013-15 would contribute to strengthening our cultural relations."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is on a four-day state visit to India.

Earlier today, Orban called on President Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Orban also called on Vice President Hamid Ansari earlier in the day.

Orban is scheduled to visit Mumbai on Friday, where he is expected to attend the opening of the Trading Session followed by meeting with Indian Financial Investors.