India and Poland decide to deepen strategic partnership

Following a meeting with the Prime Minister of Poland, the Prime Minister stated that both countries have taken important decisions to further strengthen their strategic partnership. During his visit to Poland in 2024, bilateral relations were elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, and the partnership has gained new momentum over the last 2 years.

He described the friendship between India and Poland as being linked to a shared heritage of humanity and compassion, beyond diplomatic relations. During the Second World War, the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur provided shelter to thousands of Polish children and families in India. The people of Poland still remember ‘Jam Saheb’ as ‘Dobry Maharaja’. In 2022, Poland helped in the safe return of Indian students from Ukraine. Polish youth are visiting India through the ‘Jam Saheb Youth Exchange Programme’.

The Prime Minister stated that Poland's GDP reached a historic level of 1 trillion dollars last year, while India recorded a growth rate of 7.8% in the last quarter. After the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement comes into effect, new avenues will open for the export of machinery, chemicals, plastics, and engineering goods from India to Poland. Hope was also expressed for Polish investment in railways and mobility, advanced manufacturing, food processing, and biotechnology.

The Prime Minister of Poland has arrived in India with a large trade delegation. It was stated that companies from both countries will collaborate to develop reliable global supply chains and work towards the shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

Both countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, space, and nuclear energy. Polish companies have been invited to jointly develop and produce in these strategic sectors. Discussions were also held on establishing new partnerships by leveraging Poland's expertise in critical minerals and the conversion of coal to gas.

Both sides have agreed to establish the ‘India-Poland Start-up Bridge’ to further cooperation in IT and cybersecurity. Technology hackathons will be organized for the youth of both countries. The aim is to create new opportunities for youth while increasing cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and other emerging technologies.

A decision has also been taken to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, sport, and tourism. A Chair of Indian Studies has been established in the city of Krakow; Poland has a rich tradition of Sanskrit studies and Indology.

In discussions on regional and global events, both countries expressed their commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. The Prime Minister stated that reforms are inevitable to make global governance institutions stronger and more effective. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, India will continue to support every meaningful effort for peace.