India and Poland elevated their bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” during the Indian Prime Minister’s historic visit, marking a new era of cooperation in defense, security, trade, and technology.

Key Highlights of the Prime Minister’s visit to Poland

This historic event marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

• Strategic Partnership: This status is reflecting their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas such as defence, security, and trade.
  • To implement the Strategic Partnership, both sides agreed to a five-year Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028. 
• Enhancing Defence and Security Cooperation:
  • Strengthening and Deepening Defence Ties: Agreed to fully utilise existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Working Group for Defence Cooperation. 
  • Counter Terrorism: Both reiterated unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
  • Root out Safe Haven: Emphasised that no country should provide a safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts. 
  • International Commitment: Both sides stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. 
    • They also reaffirmed the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
• Expanding Trade and Economic Ties:
  • Utilisation of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation: To further intensify bilateral economic relations, stimulate trade and investment, and explore new mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. 
  • Balance on Trade: The leaders also agreed that efforts should be made to balance bilateral trade and expand the trade basket. 
  • Expansion of Economic Cooperation: In sectors such as technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy and environment. 

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• Cooperation in Technology, Energy, and Connectivity:
  • Digitalisation for Development: Acknowledging the critical role of digitalisation in economic and social development, they agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation in this field, including in cybersecurity, to enhance stability and trust. 
  • Emphasis on Connectivity: By commencement of direct flight connections between the two countries and stress the need for a further increase of direct flights connections to new destinations in both countries. 
    • Both sides underlined the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, and the patency of infrastructure corridors. 
  • Cooperation in Climate Initiatives: Recognising the significant challenges posed by climate change, both leaders agreed on the importance of cooperation in climate action initiatives. 
    • The Indian side encouraged the Polish side to consider its memberships of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. 
• Multilateral Cooperation and Global Peace:
  • Peace and Rules-based World: They decided to enhance collaboration at multilateral forums to promote respect for rules-based international order and maintain global peace, stability, and security. 
  • Concern on Ukraine: The two leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. 
    • They also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for the Global South. 
  • Deepening of India-EU Strategic Partnership: It would not only benefit both sides but also have a far-reaching positive impact globally.
    • As the world’s two largest democracies, the EU and India have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar World. 
  • On India-Pacific: Both reinforced their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with the international law of the sea  (UNCLOS).
• Strengthening Cooperation: Reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral, regional, and international cooperation for a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable world. 
  • Regular high-level Contacts: To strengthen bilateral political dialogue and develop mutually beneficial initiatives. 
  • Cooperation between Legislatures: Appreciating the role of parliamentary contacts, the leaders agreed that expanding exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures would significantly deepen bilateral ties and mutual understanding. 
  • People to People ties: They noted the longstanding special people to people ties and agreed to strengthen these further. 
    • Further Expansion: In the areas of culture, education, science, research, and health. 
    • Academic Collaborations: They welcomed efforts to promote and encourage additional steps to establish future-oriented partnerships between academic institutions. 
  • Focus on Tourism: Both acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries. 

About India-Poland Relations

India and Poland share a long-standing friendly relationship, marked by high level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement.

• Historical Relations: During WWII, between 1942 and 1948, over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in two princely states in India, Jamnagar and Kolhapur. 
  • Battle of Monte Cassino: This battle is also known as the Battle for Rome. Indian Troops of the 4th Indian Division fought in the battle.
    • This Battle was a series of four military assaults by the Allies against German forces in Italy during the Italian Campaign of World War II. 
  • Memorials: The Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial was unveiled on October 31, 2014 at the Square of the Good Maharaja, Ochota district in Warsaw.
    • Jam saheb is still referred to as the ‘Good Maharaja’ in Poland. 
      • He was posthumously awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. His legacy is a symbol of compassion and generosity.
    • Memorial plaque for the Valivade-Kolhapur Camp: It was inaugurated in November 2017, near the Monte Casino War Memorial.
    • The Kolhapur Memorial: It is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur, who was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II.
• Political Relations: Diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957 and Polish Embassy in New Delhi in 1954. 
  • Shared Ideology: The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism. 
  • Regular High-level Visits: During the Communist era, bilateral relations were close and cordial, with regular high level visits such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955.
    • The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989. 
  • Contemporary: A cordial political relationship has emerged particularly after Poland joined the EU in 2004, and became India’s key economic partner in Central Europe.

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• Economic Relations: India is now the fifth and soon-to-be third-largest economy in the world, while Poland ranks sixth in the EU. 
  • Bilateral Trade: It is substantial and it’s of the order of US$6 billion, which makes Poland India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
    • Key Export Items from India:
      • Textiles and textile articles
      • Base metals
      • Chemicals
      • Machinery and equipment
    • Key Import Items for India:
      • Machinery and mechanical appliances
      • Mineral products
      • Base metals
      • Plastics and rubber
  • Range of Sectors: A number of Indian companies have an active business presence in Poland from IT to pharmaceuticals to manufacturing to farm vehicles to electronics, steel, metals and chemicals.
  • Trading Agreements: India and Poland transitioned to hard currency trading arrangements that were sustained by rising levels of trade as both economies grew in size and heft. 
    • It was coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organisations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements. 
• Cultural and Educational Relations: Various Polish scholars have translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19th Century. 
  • Indology: There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in Poland.
    • The Indology Department of the Oriental Institute at the University of Warsaw (established in 1932) is the biggest center for Indian studies in Central Europe. 
    • Study of Indian languages, literature, culture and Indology is also pursued at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the Wroclaw University. 
    • The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored the first Central and Eastern European regional conference of Indology in Warsaw University in September 2005. 
      • An MoU for establishment of an ICCR chair of Indian studies at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow was signed in February 2017. 
  • Commemorating Indian leaders: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi that was unveiled in May 2002, has been placed in the library of University of Warsaw. 
    • Cities of Krakow and Lodz also have streets named after Mahatma Gandhi.
    • The Polish Mission organised the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019.
      • The Polish Post (Poczta Polska) issued a Commemorative Stamp on his 150th Birth Anniversary.
    • On the occasion of 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Mission and Gurudwara Sahib of Poland jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.
  • Friendship Societies: There are a number of Indo-Polish Friendship Societies promoting Indian culture and people-to-people contacts locally. 
  • Indian Community: Estimated at approximately 15,000, the Indian community in Poland, around 5000 students are currently pursuing studies in various universities in Poland and there are over 100 Indian restaurants in Poland.
  • Yoga: Poland has over a 100-year history of yoga. International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated every year with much enthusiasm and participation.
  • Visas: Poland has been included in the e-visa scheme w.e.f August 15, 2015 and now a rising number of Poles are availing the e-visa facilities.
  • Honorary Consulate: Since January 2018, India has an Honorary Consulate in Wroclaw and Poland has two Honorary Consulates in Kolkata and Bengaluru.
    • Also, the Polish Embassy is in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai.

Significance of India and Poland Relations

• Economic: Poland is the largest economy in Central Europe and in 2024, Poland’s GDP is projected to be approximately $844.6 billion.
  • Over the period 2013-2023, the total bilateral trade with Poland has witnessed an increase of 192% i.e. from US$1.95 billion in 2013 to US$5.72 billion in 2023. 
  • Investment: Indian investments into Poland are estimated at around US$3 billion and Polish investments in India are around US$1 billion. 
    • India is the second-largest market for Polish foreign direct investments in Asia. According to data from the National Bank of Poland, in 2021, the value of Polish investments in India amounted to almost PLN 380 million.
• Strategic Interests: Poland’s location in Central Europe makes it a key player in the EU. For India, engaging with Poland opens doors to the broader European market.
  • Poland’s presidency of the EU in January 2025 will help strengthen India-EU relations.
  • Poland plays a critical role as the West’s hub for operations in Ukraine, leads NATO’s eastern flank, and contributes to the construction of a new security architecture in Europe against Russia.
• Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Many Indian students choose Poland for higher education due to its high-quality institutions and affordable costs.
  • In 2023, a cultural festival in Warsaw showcased Indian art, music, and cuisine that aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Tourism: With its picturesque landscapes and rich history, Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists. 
  • The Polish Tourism Organisation has been promoting travel packages to India, highlighting destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa.

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Challenges between India and Poland

Following factors can be identified as having a hampering effect on the development of cooperation between India and Poland.

• Underestimation of India’s Growing International Role: Poland has underestimated the growth of India’s power in the international arena and its importance to the West. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of India’s stature. 
  • Unlike in the US and Western Europe, in Poland the outdated perceptions of India result in little interest in the country in the media, as well as among the political and business elites.
• Lack of an Attractive Cooperation Offer: With the restructuring of the Polish defence industry, defence cooperation, traditionally strategic Polish-Indian relations has lost importance. 
  • No Significant Results: Cooperation in mining or energy, promoted over the years, has not yielded significant results. 
  • No Offer to Support Programs: Poland, unlike Western European countries, has not made a new offer to support India’s modernisation programmes or flagship initiatives.
  • No Scholarship and Joint Fund: Poland has not decided to propose a special scholarship programme or a joint technology fund that could interest the Indian side and develop people-to-people cooperation.
• Objective Constraints: Poland does not have the strategic resources that India values and seeks, such as energy resources, nuclear fuel, rare earth metals, advanced weaponry, or green technologies. 
  • Competitors: Indeed, Poland and India are often competitors, for example in attracting foreign investment or improving their positions in global value chains.
• Underinvestment in the Relationship: Relationships lacking increased resources and political will could not develop.
  • Personnel and Financial Constraints: The Polish embassy in New Delhi must contend with a country the size of a continent and with a population of more than 1.4 billion. It has only a dozen employees, far fewer than Poland’s staff in China. 
    • These have also prevented the Polish Institute and the PAIH office from being more active, thus affecting the entry of Polish businesses to the Indian market. 
    • Export support programmes (e.g., GoIndia) were long underinvested in and eventually abandoned. 

Recommendations for Poland–India Relations

India and Poland have undergone significant changes in their political and economic systems over the last 45 years. Meanwhile, the international context changed and the world became interconnected. This brings Asia and Europe closer than ever.

• Focus on Research and Development (R&D):  There is a need to prioritise R&D particularly in electromobility, hydrogen-related technologies, green technologies, space sector, climate-friendly mining and agri-food sector, etc. 
• Enhance Business and Startup Collaboration: There is a need to increase joint development of business interactions, including the startup, essential for innovation and growth in both countries.
  • Strengthen Business Cooperation: Business cooperation between the two countries would be significantly strengthened by signing an India-EU trade and investment agreement, which would also enhance Poland’s reputation in the subcontinent.
• Expanding Security and IT Collaboration: There is a need to expand collaboration in security infrastructure, defence and IT sectors.
• Leverage Aviation Linking and Maritime Opportunities: 
  • Direct air connections between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Warsaw should be leveraged to strengthen business, scientific and tourism ties that began in 2019.
  • India’s Sagarmala infrastructure expansion programme provides 30% subsidies for ecological ports and shipyards, presenting a unique opportunity for collaboration with Poland. 
    • Poland, with the largest ship design office in Europe and advanced shipyards capable of constructing modern shipbuilding.
• Address Security Concerns: India needs to adopt a more assertive position at the UN and in diplomatic circles, particularly in the global ramifications of the war that significantly impact India such as rising energy prices, food shortages, and disruptions to supply chains.
• Counterbalance China-Russia Relations: The ongoing war in Ukraine has brought Russia closer to China. Poland should emphasise the importance of preventing closer ties between Russia and China, as this could negatively impact India.
  • Poland should akes into consideration the changes in Asia and the growing significance of India in the global world, especially vis-à-vis an assertive China.
• Adopt a New Perspective: Poland should recognise India as a rising global player and offer comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation, including the supply of military equipment, food, and scarce products, along with loans or grants.
  • Poland needs to support India’s struggle against all kinds of neo-imperialism and military aggression for a “democratic world”. 
    • This support is particularly meaningful in the context of India’s ambitions to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which Poland endorses.

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