New Delhi [India], January 19 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, in New Delhi to discuss bilateral ties and global developments.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Today’s meeting with DPM & FM @sikorskiradek of Poland provided an opportunity for an open conversation on our bilateral ties and global developments.”
The discussions covered multiple areas of cooperation, including economic, technology, defence, mining, people-to-people, and multilateral engagement. Jaishankar also expressed appreciation for Poland’s support for closer engagement between India and the European Union, stating, “Appreciate Poland’s support for stronger India-EU ties.”
Welcoming Sikorski and his delegation, Jaishankar emphasized the need for closer India-Poland engagement amid heightened global uncertainty. “Deputy Prime Minister, I welcome you and your delegation to India. We meet at a time when the world is under considerable churn, as two nations located in different regions, each with its own challenges and opportunities,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of exchanging perspectives amid evolving global developments, noting that while the bilateral relationship has progressed steadily, it requires constant attention. Referring to the overall trajectory of ties, Jaishankar said India and Poland have traditionally enjoyed warm, friendly relations, with increased political engagement alongside expanding economic and people-to-people exchanges in recent years. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, during which bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership.
Outlining the roadmap ahead, Jaishankar said the two sides would review the Action Plan 2024–28 to realize the full potential of their strategic partnership. Discussions will include cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, clean technologies, and digital innovation.
Emphasizing trade ties, Jaishankar noted that Poland remains one of India’s top trading partners in Central Europe. “Our bilateral trade stands at USD 7 billion, having registered growth of almost 200% in the past decade. Indian investment in Poland has surpassed USD 3 billion, creating numerous job opportunities for Poles. India’s strong economic growth, size of its market, and pro-investment policies provide immense opportunity for Polish businesses,” he said.
He also highlighted cultural and people-to-people cooperation, citing shared historical links and educational exchanges. “The Maharaja remains a cherished link. I recall meeting Polish youth in February last year under the first Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Exchange Programme. It is heartening to note that Indology continues to thrive and yoga is popular in Poland today,” Jaishankar said.
On broader geopolitical issues, Jaishankar said the two sides exchanged assessments on regional and global developments, including their respective neighborhoods. He also reiterated concerns regarding selective targeting in the context of the Ukraine conflict, calling it unfair and unjustified.
Addressing cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar urged Poland to maintain “zero tolerance for terrorism,” noting that Sikorski was familiar with the region’s long-standing challenges. “Deputy Prime Minister, you are no stranger to our region and are more than familiar with the long-standing challenges of cross-border terrorism. Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighborhood,” he said.
Responding, Sikorski thanked India for the invitation and noted his participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival. He highlighted that this was his first visit after the strategic partnership was announced by the two countries’ prime ministers. Sikorski described India and Poland as dynamic players in their respective regions and emphasized the need to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Sikorski also referenced historical experiences, noting both countries’ sensitivities due to colonization in the 19th century. He agreed with Jaishankar on countering transnational terrorism and raised concerns about selective targeting through tariffs and potential global trade disruptions.
Noting India’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Europe, Sikorski said the outreach signals stronger engagement with the European Union and expressed hope that the Polish Prime Minister would visit India soon. He concluded by thanking the Indian side and expressing eagerness for further exchanges. (ANI)
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