Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Polish companies to participate in the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative on Thursday, as India and Poland agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during his historic visit to Warsaw.
Addressing the media after talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Federal Chancellery, Modi underscored the significance of the visit, noting that it marked the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Poland since 1979.
Tusk described hosting Modi as a “great privilege” on the eve of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He emphasized that Modi’s visit exemplifies the strengthening ties between India and Poland and highlighted the growing global importance of their partnership.
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“Your presence today underscores the importance of this visit and the deepening relationship between our countries,” Tusk said. “This is a testament to the positive relations and the significance for the entire region, and indeed, for the world.”
Tusk praised India’s democratic governance, which he noted is rare in its region, and stressed the mutual respect and understanding between the two countries despite their different histories and traditions.
Poland is a Global Leader
During the meeting, Modi identified several areas for potential cooperation, particularly in food processing, where Poland is a global leader. He invited Polish companies to join the development of mega food parks in India.
Modi also addressed global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and West Asia, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian impact. He reiterated India’s stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing India’s readiness to support peace and stability efforts.
“There is no conflict of interests between our nations,” Tusk said. “Both countries have a shared understanding of the importance of respecting rules, borders, and sovereignty.”
Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine
Tusk expressed confidence that Modi’s visit could be historic, particularly as the Prime Minister is set to visit Kyiv later in the day at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine.
Earlier, Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arriving at the Federal Chancellery. The meeting with Tusk was followed by delegation-level talks. Modi had previously met Tusk on four occasions during Tusk’s tenure as President of the European Council.
India’s Largest Trading Partner
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Poland’s bilateral trade is substantial, amounting to around USD 6 billion, with Poland being India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Indian investments in Poland are approximately USD 3 billion, while Polish investments in India total around USD 1 billion.
Poland, which boasts the sixth-largest economy in the European Union, will soon assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Following his visit to Poland, Prime Minister Modi will engage with Polish business leaders and Indologists before heading to Ukraine.
