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India Poland Relations
Context:
Recently, during the visit of PM Modi to Poland both nations elevated their ties to strategic partnership highlighting the growing importance of both countries in each other’s politics.
- They held extensive discussions on multiple facets of the bilateral partnership, covering trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people relations.
Importance of the Visit in India’s Foreign Policy:
- PM Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine highlights India’s increasing emphasis on Central Europe in its foreign policy, aiming to address a gap in its previous focus on Europe’s big four—Russia, Germany, France, and Britain.
- With Central Europe gaining prominence due to the Ukraine conflict, India is expanding its diplomatic efforts to include various European sub-regions, including the Nordics and Baltics.
Areas of cooperation in Relation:
- Historical Ties and Solidarity:PM Modi’s visit to Poland was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years, underscoring its historical importance.
- World War II Refugees: The historical ties between the two countries date back to World War II, when India offered refuge to over 6,000 Polish women and children in the princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur.
- To commemorate this, the Good Maharaja monument was erected in Warsaw, which PM Modi visited during his trip.
- Growing Trade: Bilateral trade between India and Poland has grown significantly, from $675.73 million in 2008 to over $5.72 billion in 2023.The balance of trade continues to be largely in favour of India in 2023.
- Sectoral Collaboration in clean energy,Healthcare, IT, and Aviation,food processing: Poland sees India as a valuable partner in addressing its shortage of doctors and specialists.
- Flight Connectivity:Polish leaders are keen to boost flight connectivity between India and Poland to enhance business and tourism exchanges.
- Agro Processing:Polish food processing companies and entrepreneurs may join India’s Mega Food Parks initiative.
- A Joint Working Group on Food Processing has been established to facilitate this collaboration.
- Crisis Management during Operation Ganga: Poland played a crucial role in assisting India during the 2022 Ukraine crisis by helping evacuate over 4,000 Indian students through ‘Operation Ganga.
- Investment and Joint Projects: India’s Sagarmala maritime infrastructure expansion program and Poland’s expertise in shipbuilding present opportunities for joint projects and investments.
- Cultural and Societal Ties: The Indian diaspora in Poland, numbering around 10,000 to 15,000, is significant and contributes to the IT, finance, business, and academic sectors.
Areas of Divergence in Relations:
- Ukraine Conflict: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, due to its ties with Russia and reliance on Russian arms, contrasts with Poland’s strong anti-Russian position.
- Regional Security Concerns: Poland’s role as a key player on NATO’s eastern flank, focusing on European security against Russia, contrasts with India’s more cautious approach to regional security issues.
- Lack of comprehensive EU-India Trade and Investment Agreement can restrict the full potential of economic cooperation between India and Poland.
- Poland’s Role in EU Policy: Poland’s influence within the EU may not always align with India’s interests. For a separate partnership to be valuable, Poland needs to more actively shape EU external and strategic policies towards India.