Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday (August 22, 2024) before heading to Kyiv for important meetings.
During their discussions, Mr. Modi and Mr. Tusk focused on security issues, the ongoing war in Ukraine involving India’s ally Russia, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. They were scheduled to make official statements, and later in the day, the Indian Prime Minister was set to meet with President Andrzej Duda of Poland.
Prior to his visit, Mr. Modi emphasized the significance of Poland as India’s key economic partner in Central Europe.
The leaders are set to sign strategic cooperation agreements covering areas such as cybersecurity and defense collaboration.
Located on the eastern border of NATO and the European Union, Poland has been actively supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia over the past two years, providing political, humanitarian, and defense assistance.
Following his recent visit to Moscow where he met with President Vladimir Putin, Mr. Modi faced criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Zelensky described the meeting as a setback to peace efforts.
Mr. Modi’s visit to Poland also marks the 70th anniversary of official bilateral relations between India and Poland.
According to data from the Embassy of India, the total value of trade between the two countries has significantly increased from $1.95 billion to $5.72 billion between 2013 and 2023, with India’s exports playing a major role in this growth.
Previous high-level visits between India and Poland include a trip by then-President Pratibha Patil to Poland in 2009 and a visit by Mr. Tusk to India in 2010 during his first term as Prime Minister.
On the agenda for Friday is Mr. Modi’s visit to Kyiv for a meeting with President Zelensky.
