Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Warsaw, Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years. His arrival tonight kicks off a two-nation tour, which will also include a stop in Kyiv, Ukraine. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland was Morarji Desai in 1979.
In Warsaw, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and is scheduled to meet with President Andrzej Sebastian Duda and engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. His visit will also include a visit to memorials in Warsaw honoring the Polish women and children who sought refuge in the princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur in India during World War II. Additionally, PM Modi will address members of the Indian community in Poland, estimated at around 25,000, as well as select Polish business leaders and prominent Indologists.
PM Modi has previously met his Polish counterpart on four occasions during his tenure as President of the European Council and had a telephonic conversation with President Duda in March 2022. During that conversation, he expressed gratitude for Poland’s assistance in evacuating Indian citizens from Ukraine and for easing visa requirements for those crossing into Poland from the conflict zone, which facilitated the evacuation of over 4,000 Indian students.
In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted that this visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. He emphasized Poland’s role as a significant economic partner in Central Europe.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that bilateral trade between India and Poland is substantial, totaling approximately $6 billion, making Poland India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Indian investments in Poland are around $3 billion, while Polish investments in India are about $1 billion. Indian companies have a notable presence in Poland across various sectors, including IT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and more. Additionally, nearly 30 Polish companies operate in India, with some running manufacturing units. Direct flights between the two countries, which began in 2019, have further strengthened economic and commercial ties.
Following his visit to Poland, PM Modi will travel to Kyiv on August 23 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
