Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially visited Poland from 21-22 August 2024. This was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in 45 years. PM Modi’s visit was fraught with a remarkable reception from the Indian community members in Poland. During his visit, PM Modi touched upon the historic relations between Poland and India by paying tributes at several historic sites. He called on several Polish political leaders and interacted with Poland’s sports communities and Indologists.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw. He paid tribute at the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial in Warsaw. Shri Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, having hailed from Jamnagar in Gujarat, India, is a revered figure in the country for his exemplary compassion towards children during World War II. In Poland, he is fondly referred to as Dobry Maharaja.
PM Modi also visited the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw. The Memorial was built in honour of the Kolhapur royal family of Maharashtra. During World War II, the royal family of Kolhapur provided shelter to affected children and women in a show of great courage and strength. They had contributed funds to build a camp housing 5,000 Polish refugees. Their humanitarianism is fondly remembered in the annals of Polish history. PM Modi also met a few Polish individuals, and their descendants, who had lived in the camps. Both sites mark an important point of historical contact between the two countries during a crisis.
PM Modi also visited the Monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino. Several Polish and Indian soldiers had valiantly fought in Italy during World War II in the Battle of Monte Cassino. Shri Narendra Modi laid a wreath honouring the soldiers who died in the battle. He also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Piłsudski Square to symbolise India’s respect towards Polish national history. PM Modi’s consecutive visits to the above historic sites mark his acknowledgement of the historical relations between the two countries.
PM Modi called on his Polish counterpart, PM Donald Tusk. The latter noted the significance of the visit of an Indian head of state in 45 years. They discussed a whole gamut of areas of bilateral cooperation and explored ways to expand the same. The crucial sectors under discussion were “food processing, urban infrastructure, renewable energy and AI.” Apart from that, both leaders were willing to expand cooperation in defence and security. PM Modi remarked on his social media account, “It is equally gladdening that we have agreed on a social security agreement, which will benefit our people.” Both leaders reflected on the salience of the India-Poland ties and decided to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. A Joint Statement and an Action Plan (2024-2028) were published after the meeting.
PM Modi called on Poland’s President, H.E. Mr. Andrzej Sebastian Duda, at the Belweder Palace in Warsaw. Both leaders discussed several aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. They appreciated the upgradation of India-Poland ties to Strategic Partnership. PM Modi wrote on X, “India greatly values the warm relations with Poland.
We look forward to boosting commercial and cultural linkages between our nations in the times to come.”
PM Modi met with several businesspersons in Poland and discussed the potential of investment in Indian businesses. PM Modi also met several Polish Indologists and appreciated their contribution towards strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. The dignitaries noted Polish interest in Indology dating back to the 19th century and also remarked on the popularity of Yoga across Poland and Europe.
Before concluding his visit, PM Modi met with the President and the Board Member of the Kabaddi Federation of Poland. He thanked them for promoting the sport in Poland and Europe. PM Modi also stressed the importance of sports in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations.
