Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making official visits to Poland and Ukraine from August 21-23, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years, coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Poland in 1954. The trip underscores the deepening ties between New Delhi and Warsaw, highlighting the importance of their long-standing relationship.
“This visit provides an opportunity for our leaders to review and enhance the bilateral relationship, as well as to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest,” MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal said.
The MEA also highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, recalling Poland’s role in assisting India during the evacuation of its students from Ukraine in 2022. The MEA noted the unique bond formed during World War II when over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in the Indian princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur.
During his stay in Poland, Prime Minister Modi will engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Tusk and President Andrzej Duda. He will also interact with the Indian community in Poland, which is estimated to be around 25,000 strong, including approximately 5,000 students. The visit will include a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw, where Modi will also meet with business leaders and prominent Indologists.
“This visit will further strengthen our defense ties, with ongoing consultations and joint working formats. India recently reopened the defense wing at its embassy in Warsaw,” Lal added.
Following his visit to Poland, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1992.
The MEA release stated that Prime Minister Modi’s engagements in Kyiv will cover a wide range of bilateral issues, including political, trade, economic, investment, education, cultural, and humanitarian assistance. Modi will also interact with the Indian community, including students residing in Ukraine.