Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently making a historic visit to Poland, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in more than four decades. The last Prime Minister to visit Poland was Morarji Desai in 1979.
During his visit, Modi humorously noted that his presence in Poland had generated significant media attention back in India. He also mentioned his recent visit to Austria as another notable first, reflecting on his role in ushering in new diplomatic milestones. “It is my good fortune to bring about many firsts,” he remarked, drawing laughter and applause from the Indian expatriates gathered to see him.
The Prime Minister attributed these recent diplomatic milestones to a significant shift in India’s foreign policy. Modi highlighted a departure from the country’s previous approach of maintaining distance from international relations. “For decades, India’s policy was to stay distant from other countries,” Modi said. “The situation has now changed… Today, India’s policy is to forge close ties with all nations. We aim to connect with everyone.”
Modi subtly critiqued the Non-Aligned Movement of the 1970s, stating that the current global respect for India comes from its new role as a “Vishwa Bandhu” or friend to all. He emphasized that today’s India is engaged with and benefits from its international relationships.
In recent years, Modi’s foreign visits have included several new destinations, with his trip to Israel being particularly notable. This visit highlighted the evolving relationship between India and Israel, shifting from a focus on military and security issues to economic and developmental concerns.
Modi’s visit to Poland also underscores India’s increased involvement in European and Middle Eastern affairs. He has actively participated in efforts to mediate conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. He is anticipated to visit Ukraine later today.
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This visit also celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Poland, with Poland emerging as a crucial economic partner in Central Europe. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at approximately $6 billion, making Poland India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Indian investments in Poland are estimated at $3 billion, while Polish investments in India amount to around $1 billion.
