PM Modi, his Polish counterpart elevate bilateral ties to ‘strategic partnership’ level

New Delhi, Aug 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw today. Upon his arrival at the Federal Chancellery, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Tusk and accorded a ceremonial welcome, marking the beginning of an essential day in India-Poland relations.

During their discussions, which included restricted and delegation-level talks, the two leaders decided to upgrade the relationship between India and Poland to a ‘Strategic Partnership.’ Their discussions covered the bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, science and technology, defence and security, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the future of the relationship, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “I am glad to have met my friend, Prime Minister @donaldtusk. In our talks, we took stock of the full range of India-Poland relations. We are particularly keen to deepen linkages in areas such as food processing, urban infrastructure, renewable energy, and AI. PM @donaldtusk and I also discussed ways to expand cooperation in defence and security. It is equally gladdening that we have agreed on a social security agreement, which will benefit our people.”

The leaders highlighted the opportunities for economic and business collaboration in sectors such as food processing, urban infrastructure, water and solid waste management, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, AI, and mining, among others.

They also underscored the importance of deepening cultural ties and people-to-people connections, emphasizing the unique bond between the two nations, rooted in historical ties like the generosity of the Maharaja of Jamnagar and the royal family of Kolhapur.

In a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Tusk for the warm reception in Warsaw, stating, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Tusk for the warm welcome, grand hospitality, and friendly words in the beautiful city of Warsaw. You have been a good friend of India for a long time. You have made a huge contribution in strengthening the friendship between India and Poland.”

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Today is a special day in the relations between India and Poland. Today, after forty-five years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland. I have got this privilege at the beginning of my third term. On this occasion, I express my special gratitude to the Government of Poland and the people here. We Indians can never forget the generosity you showed in evacuating Indian students trapped in the Ukraine conflict in 2022.”

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges between the two democratic nations and the need to connect the private sector to broaden economic cooperation.

Modi invited Polish companies to participate in India’s Mega Food Parks and to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly urbanizing landscape, particularly in water treatment, solid waste management, and urban infrastructure. “Clean Coal Technology, Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence are also our common priorities. We invite Polish companies to join Make in India and Make for the world,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised the mutual trust and the close cooperation in the field of defence, stating, “Close cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. Mutual cooperation in this area will be strengthened.” He also announced the establishment of a Social Security Agreement to promote the welfare and mobility of skilled workers between the two countries.

On the international stage, both leaders reiterated the need for reform in the United Nations and other global institutions to address contemporary challenges. They agreed on the importance of enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism and tackling climate change, with a commitment to work together for a green future. As Poland prepares to assume the presidency of the European Union in January 2025, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that this would further strengthen India-EU relations.

Modi also paid tribute to the historical connections between the two countries, particularly the philanthropy of the “Dobre Maharaja” and the Maharaja of Kolhapur. To honour this legacy, he announced the launch of the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Youth Exchange Program, which will see 20 young Poles visit India each year.