Warsaw, September 5: India and Poland are expanding their strategic partnership with fresh cooperation initiatives in areas ranging from cybersecurity and space to critical minerals and clean energy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during his visit to Warsaw.
Jaishankar held talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and reviewed the progress made under the India-Poland Joint Action Plan 2024–28. He said the assessment showed significant movement in bilateral trade, investment and defence cooperation, along with growing opportunities in emerging sectors.
The External Affairs Minister said both countries are preparing agreements covering cybersecurity, space, clean coal, classified information and critical minerals. According to him, these initiatives will give greater institutional depth to the growing relationship between New Delhi and Warsaw.
India-Poland Cooperation Expands Beyond Traditional Sectors
Jaishankar noted that cooperation between the two countries has strengthened in established areas such as mining, energy and defence while new possibilities are developing in digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and space.
He also pointed to Poland’s importance in India’s engagement with the European Union. With negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement progressing, Jaishankar said Poland’s position within the bloc could contribute to creating greater economic opportunities.
The minister described the changing global environment as increasingly multipolar, with countries seeking to diversify partnerships and reduce risks to their economic and strategic interests. He said India views the European Union as an important global partner and expects Poland to play a constructive role in strengthening those ties.
New Mechanisms to Deepen Bilateral Engagement
The two sides are also strengthening institutional channels for regular engagement. Jaishankar said the Foreign Office Consultations have recently been held, while the Joint Commission has also met. A bilateral defence working group is expected to meet soon.
Beyond government-to-government cooperation, Jaishankar highlighted people-to-people and cultural links. He announced that the second edition of the Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Programme is scheduled for October and welcomed the interest in Indology and Sanskrit studies at Polish universities.
Jaishankar Reiterates India’s Call for Dialogue on Ukraine
Having travelled to Warsaw from Kyiv, Jaishankar also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He reiterated India’s position that prolonged warfare must ultimately give way to dialogue and diplomacy.
He said continued conflict leads to loss of life, destruction and wider economic costs, affecting not only the countries directly involved but also the international community. India, he said, would continue supporting efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
The discussions also covered developments in the Gulf, West Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar highlighted concerns over the impact of geopolitical instability on food, fuel and fertiliser supplies as well as global supply chains.
He said India and Poland, as democratic countries with open economies, can work together on major international challenges and contribute to discussions on global economic and strategic issues.
Earlier, Jaishankar met Polish President Karol Nawrocki and held delegation-level discussions with Sikorski, with both sides focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership and reviewing progress under the bilateral action plan.
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