PM Modi holds talks with Polish counterpart; India, Poland upgrade ties to strategic partnership

Warsaw (Poland), August 22 (ANI): India and Poland on Thursday decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership”, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that relations between the two countries are based on shared values ​​like democracy and rule of law and that they have identified several initiatives to give a new direction to the relations.

In his statement at the joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Prime Minister Modi said that close cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries.

“Mutual cooperation in this area will be a priority. Innovation and talent are the identity of the youth of our two countries,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi said that a social security agreement has been reached between the two sides for the welfare of skilled workforce and to promote mobility. India and Poland are also moving forward in close coordination on the international platform.

“We both agree that reforms of the United Nations and international institutions are a necessity of the hour to address global challenges. Terrorism is a big challenge for us. Climate change is a common priority issue for us. We will work towards a green future by combining our capabilities,” he said.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tusk for his warm welcome. “You have been a friend of India for a long time and have contributed immensely to improving India-Poland relations. Today, after 45 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland. I got this opportunity at the beginning of my third term. I would like to thank the Polish government and people for this,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the people of India can never forget the help extended by the Polish Prime Minister in saving Indian students when the Ukrainian conflict started in 2022.

“This year, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. On this occasion, we have decided to upgrade this relationship into a strategic partnership. India-Poland relations are based on common values ​​such as democracy and rule of law. Today, we have identified several initiatives to give a new direction to these relations. As two democratic countries, exchange of views between our parliaments should be encouraged. Efforts will be made to connect the private sector to expand economic cooperation,” the Prime Minister said.

He said Poland was a world leader in food processing and India offered many opportunities.

“We want Polish companies to be associated with the mega food park being built in India. Rapid urbanisation in India opens new opportunities for our cooperation in areas such as water treatment, solid waste management and urban infrastructure. Clean coal technology, green energy, hydrogen, renewable energy and artificial intelligence are also our common priorities.” Prime Minister Modi invited Polish companies to join Make in India and Make for the World.

“India has achieved many milestones in areas like fintech, pharma and space. We will be happy to share our experience with Poland in these areas,” he said.

He said Poland would assume the presidency of the European Union in January 2025 and expressed confidence that with the support of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, India-EU relations will be further strengthened.

Prime Minister Modi said that Poland has a very ancient and rich tradition of Indology and Sanskrit and a strong foundation of our relations has been laid by the deep interest in Indian civilisation and languages.

“Yesterday I saw a direct and living example of the deep bonds that unite our peoples. I had the privilege of paying homage to the Maharaja of Kolhapur at the memorial ceremony. I am happy that even today, the Polish people respect his philanthropy and generosity. To immortalize his memory, we will launch the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Youth Action Programme between India and Poland. Every year, 20 young Poles will be taken on a visit to India,” he said.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Modi had constructive discussions with the Polish prime minister.

“The leaders agreed to upgrade their relations to a 'strategic partnership'. The discussions covered various areas of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, science, technology, defence and security, cultural and people-to-people relations. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern,” he said in a message on X.

The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Poland on Wednesday for a two-day visit. The Indian Prime Minister's visit to Poland comes after 45 years. From Poland, the Prime Minister will travel to Ukraine for the second leg of his two-nation visit. (ANI)