PM Modi, Poland's Tusk bat for deeper ties in defence & space; what was discussed

NEW DELHI: PM Modi reaffirms support for peace in Ukraine, West Asia as India and Poland deepen strategic tiesPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine and West Asia during bilateral talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, as the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors amid growing global instability.The leaders held wide-ranging talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, exploring avenues for cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, critical minerals, green technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).They also discussed regional and global developments and agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030.Tusk is on a three-day visit to India amid renewed international efforts to end the war in Ukraine.India, Poland to deepen strategic cooperationAnnouncing the decisions taken during the talks, PM Modi said India and Poland would expand cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy, while encouraging Polish companies to participate in joint projects."Today we have agreed to deepen ties in defence, space, and nuclear energy. We invite Polish companies to engage in co-development and co-production with India in all these strategic areas," PM Modi said.

"In critical minerals and coal gasification too, we will develop new partnerships with Polish expertise," he added.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the discussions aimed to build on the strategic partnership established between the two countries in 2024 and expand cooperation across several areas."A new phase in the India-Poland Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland held wide-ranging talks today.

Building on the Strategic Partnership established in 2024, the leaders explored new avenues of cooperation in areas including AI, green technologies, critical minerals and defence, while further deepening ties in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

"The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and reforms of global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).India, Poland aim to double bilateral trade by 2030PM Modi highlighted the growing economic engagement between the two countries, describing India and Poland as emerging centres of growth, technology and innovation amid global uncertainty."The world is going through a period of uncertainty and change. Even at this time, both India and Poland are emerging as important centres of growth, technology, and innovation," he said.He said the growing economic strength of both countries had created new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, with the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to further expand trade and investment."And the India-European Union free trade agreement has further expanded these opportunities. Upon entry into force, this agreement will open up new opportunities for exports of machinery, chemicals, plastics, and engineering goods from India to Poland," he said."Additionally, we will attract new investments from Poland in sectors such as railways and mobility, advanced manufacturing, food processing, and biotech," he added.PM Modi also expressed confidence that the two countries would work together to develop trusted global supply chains and achieve their shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.The MEA underlined the importance of the India-EU FTA in strengthening economic engagement."Both leaders agreed to work together to double bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders underscored the importance of the India-EU FTA, which is set to unlock new opportunities for businesses and industries, giving fresh impetus to economic engagement. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order and reform of global institutions, including the UN Security Council," it said in a statement on X.PM Modi recalls shared history of India-Poland tiesPM Modi said the friendship between India and Poland was rooted not only in diplomatic relations but also in a shared legacy of humanity and compassion."During World War II, the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur sheltered thousands of Polish children and families in India. Poland also extended this spirit of humanity by supporting the safe return of our students from Ukraine in 2022," he added.Jaishankar calls on Polish Prime MinisterEarlier on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Tusk and discussed ways to deepen cooperation between India and Poland across various sectors."Pleased to call on Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland. Appreciated his sharing thoughts on deepening India-Poland cooperation across a wide range of domains," Jaishankar said in a post on X.Tusk on three-day visit to IndiaTusk arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, trade and strategic sectors.

He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary.Welcoming the Polish leader, the MEA said the visit would provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties."A warm welcome to Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland on his arrival in New Delhi. He was received at the airport by MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The visit will provide fresh impetus to the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and further deepen our longstanding ties," the MEA posted on X.

Tusk is accompanied by Poland's Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domanski, and a high-level business delegation.According to the MEA, this is Tusk's second visit to India as Polish prime minister, following his earlier visit in 2010.