Polish Prime Minister Visits India to Boost Trade and Defence Ties

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the first visit to India by a Polish Prime Minister in 16 years.

Economic and Defence Ties

Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski, who is travelling with Tusk, stated that the Polish defence industry is seeking partners and can supply high-value equipment to India. Poland currently spends close to five percent of its GDP to modernise its defence forces. Domanski highlighted the WB Group as an example of a company making advanced defence equipment. He also pitched Poland as an economic growth centre and an entry point for Indian businesses into the European market, noting that Poland is expected to grow its GDP by 3.6 per cent this year.

Sectors and Delegation

A large business delegation featuring more than 80 Polish business leaders is accompanying the Prime Minister to meet Indian partners in both Delhi and Bengaluru. Alongside defence, areas for potential cooperation include clean energy transition, nuclear power plants, small modular reactors, agriculture, mining, heavy industries, and the space sector with companies like ICEYE.

Context

Poland shares borders with Russia and Ukraine, which has driven the country to develop a strong defence industry and modernize its military forces. Historically, Poland's experience during Communist rule under the Soviet era created deep distrust toward Russia, shaping its current strategic and security outlook. Bilateral relations between India and Poland were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024.