Warsaw: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine, India and Poland have announced a decision to elevate their bilateral relations to the status of a strategic partnership. This decision underscores their commitment to fostering a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
The leaders have expressed profound concern regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly highlighting its devastating humanitarian consequences and reaffirmed their dedication to achieving a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace.
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly four decades, coinciding with the celebration of 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have solidified their shared commitment to maintaining peace and upholding the principles of a rules-based international order.
Furthermore, the leaders have agreed to enhance collaboration within international multilateral forums aimed at advocating for the respect of international norms and jointly promoting a stable and secure global environment.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a press briefing, characterized Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland as "historic and highly successful," emphasizing the decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
"PM Narendra Modi is concluding his official visit to Poland, which was graciously hosted by PM Donald Tusk. This visit has been historic and highly successful, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland in nearly four decades, and it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries," Tanmaya Lal, the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, stated during a press briefing on Thursday.
"A significant outcome of this visit has been the decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. This decision has been formalized through a joint statement and the finalization of an action plan. The visit has also seen multiple areas of cooperation being expanded, with Poland being recognized as a crucial partner for India in the region," he added.
Lal also mentioned that Poland will assume the Presidency of the European Union Council in the upcoming year and that negotiations are underway to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India, Poland, and the European Union.
Regarding the Social Security Agreement, Lal highlighted its significance for professionals working in each other's countries, underscoring the importance of such agreements in facilitating mutual cooperation and understanding.
Regarding the agreement, he stated, "An agreement has been established, and we anticipate its signing in the near future. This development is expected to significantly ease the challenges faced by professionals working across different countries."
In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Poland on Thursday, with plans to continue his journey to Warsaw for the second phase of his visit, which will include a trip to Ukraine.
During his visit to Poland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent two days, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years.
"My visit to Poland has been particularly meaningful. It is after many decades that an Indian Prime Minister has set foot on Polish soil. This visit has provided an opportunity to further strengthen our cooperation with a cherished ally. We are eager to foster a closer business and cultural connection with Poland. Our friendship has the potential to make a positive impact on our planet. I extend my gratitude to the Polish people and Government for their hospitality," Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed in a statement on X.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in constructive discussions with Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland in Warsaw. The leaders concurred on the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'. The dialogue encompassed a wide array of sectors, including trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, as well as cultural and people-to-people connections. Furthermore, the leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed to develop and implement a five-year action plan aimed at guiding bilateral cooperation from 2024 to 2028 across various sectors such as trade, investment, health, transportation, and cyber security.
This action plan also includes provisions for political dialogue and security cooperation, which will involve maintaining regular communications with foreign ministers and utilizing both bilateral and multilateral platforms for these interactions.
Additionally, the leaders expressed their profound concern regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting its devastating humanitarian consequences. They reiterated the necessity for a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace that adheres to international law, aligns with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and respects sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the freedom of navigation, all of which are crucial for maritime security and the maintenance of international peace and stability.
The joint statement further emphasized the commitment of both nations to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, in accordance with the international law of the sea as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while fully respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation, thereby contributing to maritime security and the promotion of international peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit to Poland and has scheduled his second leg of the visit, which will take him to Ukraine.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992.
