Hungarian PM Orbán Vacationing in India Stirs Attention

The news in Hungarian

Translation

Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, travelled to India with his family. They are staying in the city of Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Orbán is not only there for leisure but also shows interest in Vasco da Gama and the Indian economy. The trip was discovered through social media. He described the visit as a pleasant pastime and an interest in culture.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Who is Viktor Orbán traveling with in India?

He is traveling with his family.

Question 2: What city is Viktor Orbán visiting in Kerala?

He is visiting the city of Kochi.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌07/01/2025

The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, is currently vacationing in the Kerala state of India with his family. Accompanied by his wife Anikó Lévai, two daughters, and a group of associates, Orbán’s trip has been a subject of curiosity both in Hungary and abroad.

The journey, initially unreported by official channels, came to light after social media posts revealed the Prime Minister posing with local businessmen and tuk-tuk drivers. His stay at the Fragrant Nature Hotel in the city of Kochi further caught public attention when it was shared online.

Orbán subsequently gave an exclusive interview to the Hungarian newspaper Blikk, offering insights into the motivation behind the visit. He cited both personal and professional reasons, mentioning his fascination with historical figure Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi, and recognizing India’s burgeoning economy as future potential for Hungary.

The timing of the vacation follows Hungary’s completion of the EU presidency, after which Orbán began his break on January 2. He remarked that he anticipated a quieter period until the incoming US President Donald Trump assumed office.

Hungarian PM Orbán Vacationing in India Stirs Attention (Illustration)

Amidst speculative reports alleging health-related reasons for the trip, Orbán assured the media of his good health with a clear message stating, "I'm in perfect health. Don't hope otherwise!"

Joining the Prime Minister is Krishna Kumar, the head of an Ayurvedic healing centre in Hungary. Kumar, known for his expertise in traditional Indian medicine, has been identified as part of the travel party, although Orbán emphasized that Kumar is primarily present as an acquaintance.

Orbán's visit to Kerala has intensified interest among local and international media, partly due to the association with Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing practice, which Kumar is known to promote in Hungary through his business.

The trip’s lack of prior public disclosure has sparked debate, with some considering the private nature of the vacation unconventional for a public figure of his stature. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister maintains that the trip is a simple family holiday.

For those interested in global cultural exchanges and economic ties, such visits underscore how personal interests can align with broader international relations, spotlighting potential future collaborations between Hungary and India.

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