PM Modi thanks Poland for helping safe return of Indian students during Ukraine conflict in 2022

PM Modi meets Polish counterpart Donald Tusk in Warsaw.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The PM received a ceremonial welcome when he reached Warsaw. According to reports, PM Modi will also be hosted for a luncheon by Tusk and will meet President Andrzej Duda after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier later in the day.

"I thank PM Tusk for the warm welcome, gracious hospitality and friendly words in the beautiful city of Warsaw. You have been a close friend of India for a long time; you have played a crucial role in strengthening the friendship between India and Poland. Today is a crucial day in the relations between India and Poland, today, after 45 years, any Indian PM has visited Poland..." said PM Modi at a joint press conference in Warsaw.

PM Modi also mentioned the generosity that Poland showed in rescuing Indian students during the Ukraine conflict in 2022. “We Indians will never forget that. We are celebrating the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations; on this occasion, we have decided to transform the relations into strategic partnership. The relations between India and Poland are based on shared values like democracy and rule of law," said PM Modi.

In January 2025, Poland will assume the presidency of the European Union. “I am confident that your support will strengthen the relations between India and the EU. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives in any crisis has become the biggest challenge for the entire humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability. For this, India is ready to provide all possible cooperation along with its friendly countries,” said PM Modi.

Addressing the press meet with PM @donaldtusk of Poland. https://t.co/Jqqn27ZeJq
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2024

According to PM Modi, Poland has a very old and rich tradition of Indology and Sanskrit. “A strong foundation of our relations has been laid by the deep interest in Indian civilization and languages. I saw a direct and living example of our deep people-to-people ties yesterday. I had the privilege of paying tribute at the memorial of Maharaja of Kolhapur. I am happy that even today the people of Poland respect his philanthropy and generosity. To immortalize his memory, we are going to start the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Youth Action Program between India and Poland. Every year, 20 young people from Poland will be taken on a visit to India..." he said.

According to PM Donald Tusk, the entire world praises India because its government is "very democratic". "We don't see much of this in that part of the world. Once again, I would like to congratulate you on your electoral victory. This is very satisfying. I too know that the government is elected in your country as per the mandate of the people..." said Tusk.