India-EU FTA Opens New Doors for India-Poland Partnership: PM Modi
PM Modi welcomes Polish PM Donald Tusk to New Delhi, highlighting how the India-EU FTA and Strategic Partnership are driving economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that the India-Poland partnership has entered a new era of growth, fueled by India's rising economic power and the expanding scope of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Speaking at a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi noted that the FTA has significantly broadened the opportunities available for both nations to collaborate.
A Strategic Leap Forward
The visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk marks a historic milestone, being the first time a Polish Prime Minister has visited India since 2010. The two leaders reflected on the rapid evolution of their ties, recalling PM Modi's visit to Poland in 2024, where the relationship was officially elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi highlighted that the foundation laid during that visit has provided immense momentum over the last two years. He stressed that the bond between the two nations transcends mere diplomacy, describing it as a friendship rooted in a "shared heritage of humanity and empathy."
Historical Bonds of Compassion
In a touching tribute to the deep-seated ties between the two countries, PM Modi recalled the humanitarian gesture extended by India during the Second World War. He mentioned how the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur provided critical shelter to thousands of Polish children and families who were displaced during the conflict, cementing a legacy of kindness and support.
Economic Ambitions and Trade Goals
The visit is heavily focused on economic expansion. According to former Polish Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski, there is a clear objective to scale up annual bilateral trade from the current approximately USD 6 billion to a target of USD 10 billion. The India-EU FTA is seen as a primary catalyst in achieving this growth.
Beyond general trade, several key sectors have been identified for deeper cooperation:
- Defence: Exploring strategic collaborations in security and hardware.
- Space Technology: Leveraging mutual strengths in aerospace and satellite tech.
- Information Technology: Engaging with tech leaders to drive digital innovation.
High-Level Engagements in New Delhi and Beyond
The official visit, spanning from October 21 to 23, has been packed with diplomatic and business activities:
- Diplomatic Talks: PM Modi and PM Tusk held bilateral discussions to review relations and explore new avenues for cooperation.
- Ministerial Meetings: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with PM Tusk to discuss deepening cooperation across various domains.
- Tributes: PM Tusk paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat.
- Business Forum: Tusk is scheduled to participate in the India-Poland Business Forum, accompanied by Poland's Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domanski, and a high-level business delegation.
The itinerary concludes with a trip to Bengaluru on October 23, where the Polish Prime Minister will engage with prominent leaders from India's space and IT sectors, further solidifying the technological bridge between the two nations.