Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of India in Budapest hosted a diplomatic reception to mark the 77th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2026 at the Hungarian Heritage House, the historic Budai Vigadó, which was illuminated in the Indian tricolour – saffron, white, and green – in honour of India’s National Day. The lighting created a striking visual metaphor for the strong and deepening ties between the two nations and their capitals, New Delhi and Budapest.
The celebration was graced by Dr. Boglárka Illés, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, as the Chief Guest, representing the host government. Approximately 350 guests were present, including Members of Parliament, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Indian community, and friends of India.
The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Tibor Kapu, the Hungarian astronaut who flew alongside Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) from 25 June to 14 July 2025. His participation symbolized the shared vision of India and Hungary in advancing science, innovation, and space exploration, echoing the spirit of unity and cooperation celebrated on India’s Republic Day.
The event commenced with the national anthems of India and Hungary, beautifully rendered by the Choir Group of the Institute of Arts, Communication and Music of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE).
His Excellency Mr. Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of India to Hungary, extended warm greetings and addressed the audience on India’s Republic Day:
“Excellency, Madame State Secretary for Bilateral Relations, Secretaries, Honourable Members of the Hungarian Parliament and Government, Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps, Friends from the Media, Captains of Industry, Cherished Friends of India, and my fellow Indians, good evening.
As a poet, I am often tempted to seek rhymes in history, to find cadence in chaos. But as a diplomat, I am trained to look for reasons, interests, and the solid ground of geopolitical reality.
Tonight, standing here in the beautiful embrace of Budapest – a city that wears its history with the same elegance as it wears the winter snow – I find that I do not have to choose between poet and diplomat. In the relationship between India and Hungary, rhyme and reason are one and the same.
On this day in 1950, a young nation, ancient in its soul but new in its form, gave itself a Constitution. This was no ordinary legal document; it was a radical act of faith. At its very inception, the Indian Constitution enshrined the lofty ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – not as distant goals, but as immediate rights.
Perhaps the single greatest act of empowerment in human history was the granting of Universal Adult Franchise. At a time when many mature democracies were still grappling with incremental rights – debating whether the poor or women were ‘ready’ to vote – a young India, rising from the ashes of colonialism, gave every single citizen the power to shape their destiny from day one. That audacious belief in the wisdom of the common man and woman continues to be the beating heart of our Republic. It is this democratic energy that informs our choices today and inspires our confident stride into the future.
Today, I stand before you representing a nation that has not only upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution, but has transformed into a civilizational state that is strong, resilient, and unapologetically committed to bringing the fruits of progress to all its people.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the India of 2026 is no longer a country waiting in the anteroom. We see a New India that has shed the hesitations of the past. We see a nation that harnesses technology for the greater good, creating a digital public infrastructure where a tea seller in a remote village and a tech mogul in Bengaluru transact on the same instant, seamless platform.
We have transformed from a nation of potential to a nation of delivery. Our economy is not just growing; it is roaring. We have streamlined our tax codes, modernized our labour laws, and rolled out the red carpet where there was once red tape.
To my Hungarian friends looking for growth and prosperity: India is open for business. Our scale provides the volume. Our youth provides the energy. And our reforms provide the direction. Prosperity, however, requires peace – and peace requires strength. In this volatile world, where the tectonic plates of geopolitics are ever shifting, India stands as a pillar of stability – guarded by a new resolve.
India is a nation that loves peace, but we are not a nation of pacifist inaction. We have adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The days of suffering in silence are behind us. To those who threaten the safety of our citizens – whether from across a border or from the shadows of proxy war – our message is simple: We will do whatever it takes. We are willing to escalate to any level, and pay any price, to ensure the security of our people and the sanctity of our borders. This is the India of today – magnanimous in its friendship, but formidable in its defence.
It is this profound respect for sovereignty that creates the unique resonance between India and Hungary. When we look at the world – whether from the banks of the Danube or the shores of the Yamuna – our perspectives align with remarkable clarity. We are two nations that believe in engaging with the global community while steadfastly preserving the distinct character of our homelands. Hungarians, guarding a thousand years of history in the Carpathian Basin, have taught the world that identity is an act of will. You understand Szabadság – freedom – not merely as a political concept, but as a cultural imperative. Similarly, India, a civilization of five millennia, knows that our future is brightest when illuminated by the wisdom of our past.
We both recognize that to be truly global, one must also be proudly local. This shared philosophy of strategic autonomy, respect for heritage, and the centrality of the family forms the bedrock of our political convergence.
We have taken this relationship to a ‘higher orbit’ – literally. I recall with immense pride the recent success of the joint Axiom-4 space mission. To see an Indian and a Hungarian astronaut working shoulder-to-shoulder in the zero-gravity expanse of space was deeply gratifying. It has become a defining image of our modern partnership. That mission demonstrated that when India and Hungary collaborate, the sky is not the limit; it is merely the baseline.
We are thrilled to be joined here today by a man who represents the pinnacle of scientific exploration. Please join me in welcoming the pride of Hungary, astronaut Mr. Tibor Kapu.
Our commercial ties have a long and warm history. We are now on the cusp of finalizing the ambitious India–EU Free Trade Agreement. This accord is not just a document; it is a revitalisation of our historic ease of trade. It will bridge regulatory distance and unlock tremendous potential, allowing Hungarian businesses seamless access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. We are already seeing this dynamic in action.
Indian investments in Hungary are not merely capital; they are catalysts. Conversely, Hungarian excellence has found a warm home in India. Look at Gedeon Richter. For decades, they have been a household name in India, providing high-quality healthcare to millions and now they are making in India for the world. Their success is a beacon, signalling to every Hungarian enterprise that if you have the drive, India has the scale to make you a global giant.
I must express my profound delight that we are gathered here at the Heritage House. It is fitting that we celebrate the Indian Republic in this cathedral of Hungarian culture.
Just a few steps from here stands the house where Amrita Sher-Gil, the daughter of both our nations, was born. To stand here is to stand at the physical confluence of our shared history – a reminder that our bond is not only political, but blood-deep. There is a connection of spirit.
As the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore found solace on the shores of Lake Balaton, we too find solace in our mutual respect.
I most sincerely thank our Chief Guest, Her Excellency, Madam State Secretary. Your presence here tonight is not merely protocol; it is personal. We deeply value your long-standing commitment to this partnership, championed both in your executive capacity and as a distinguished member of the India–Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group.
As you prepare to lead the Hungarian delegation for the upcoming round of Bilateral Consultations in New Delhi, we are confident that your leadership will inject new energy and strategic direction into our already warm ties.
We are two peoples who pride ourselves on our incredibly complex languages – Hungarian and Sanskrit are perhaps among the few that can describe the metaphysics of the universe. And while we may debate the taste of Hungarian paprika or Indian chilli – tonight, for diplomatic propriety, we agree that both provide the necessary spice of life.
In 2026, India is a shining star in the global firmament – an ancient civilization with a young population, ready to engage with the world for the benefit of all humanity. We are delighted and honoured to have Hungary walk this path with us – not just as a partner, but as a kindred spirit.
Long live Hungary. Long live India. And long live the shining friendship between the Magyar and Indian peoples. Thank you.”
The Chief Guest, State Secretary Dr. Boglárka Illés, delivered a thoughtful address, extending her heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on the occasion of their Republic Day. She lauded India’s enduring democratic traditions, impressive economic and commercial growth, and rich cultural heritage, and acknowledged India’s significant contributions at both regional and global levels.
Dr. Illés highlighted the historic and friendly ties between India and Hungary and emphasized the strong partnership between the two countries, noting the promising opportunities to further deepen bilateral relations.
A vibrant cultural programme was presented by teachers and students of the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre, Hungarian friends, and members of the Indian community. The colourful performances showcased India’s diverse cultural heritage and were warmly appreciated by the audience.
The grand event concluded with a lavish reception, providing guests an opportunity to enjoy Indian cuisine and interact in a cheerful and convivial atmosphere. The Republic Day celebration was a memorable and successful event, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Hungary.
10th Indian Film Festival in Budapest
The Embassy of India is delighted to announce the return of the Indian Film Festival to Hungary, bringing once again the magic, energy, and powerful storytelling of Indian cinema to Budapest. The 10th edition of the festival will take place from 27 February to 1 March 2026 at the Metropolis Hall of Puskin Cinema, Budapest.
This year’s festival presents a vibrant selection of contemporary and award-winning Indian films that reflect India’s rich cultural diversity, compelling social narratives, and cinematic excellence. From grand spectacles to inspiring real-life stories and thought-provoking dramas, the films offer audiences not only entertainment, but also a deeper glimpse into the soul of India – its emotions, traditions, aspirations, and human connections.
“The power of the moving picture is such that a story can be told even without a single word being spoken. Through the Indian Film Festival, we celebrate not only artistic excellence in cinema, but also the enduring friendship, shared values, and cultural exchange between our peoples,” said Ambassador Anshuman Gaur.
Source: Embassy of India in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of India in Budapest, Alpár Kató / Daily News Hungary
