New Delhi, 19 January (H.S.): India expressed its desire to enhance mutual trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties with Poland on Monday, while firmly raising concerns over the US unfairly targeting India with tariffs on its Russia trade and Poland's assistance strengthening Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated India's position candidly during a bilateral delegation-level meeting at Hyderabad House with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.

The visiting leader acknowledged India's concerns, agreeing that selective targeting is unjust. He affirmed Poland's opposition to strengthening terrorism, noting the country itself has suffered terrorist violence.

Radosław Sikorski and Anne Applebaum arrived in India for a three-day visit from January 17-19. They participated in the Jaipur Literature Festival on January 17 and 18, reached New Delhi last night, and are scheduled to depart for Poland after Monday's meeting.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Jaishankar welcomed the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and delegation, stating, We meet at a time of considerable global turbulence. As two nations in different regions—with our respective challenges and opportunities—exchanging views and perspectives is evidently useful. Our bilateral relationship has consistently advanced, yet requires sustained attention.

Jaishankar highlighted the traditionally warm and friendly relations between India and Poland, marked in recent years by high-level political exchanges and vibrant economic/people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's August 2024 Poland visit elevated relations to Strategic Partnership status.

Monday's discussions reviewed the 2024-28 Action Plan to realize the partnership's full potential, alongside cooperation in trade/investment, defense/security, clean technologies, and digital innovation.

Poland ranks among India's largest Central European trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $7 billion—a nearly 200% rise over the past decade. Indian investments in Poland exceed $3 billion, creating numerous jobs. India's robust growth, vast market, and investment-friendly policies offer Polish businesses immense opportunities.

Cultural Bonds and Regional Concerns

Jaishankar emphasized deepening cultural/people-to-people ties, noting Dobri Maharaja as a cherished link. He recalled meeting Polish youth during last February's inaugural Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Exchange Programme, expressing delight at thriving Indology studies and yoga's popularity in Poland.

Regional/global developments naturally featured in discussions, particularly neighborhood assessments. Jaishankar noted candid exchanges on the Ukraine conflict during recent New York (September) and Paris (January) meetings, repeatedly stressing that selectively targeting India is unjust and baseless.

I have consistently underlined that targeting India selectively is not only unfair but entirely unjustified. I reiterate this today, he affirmed.

Addressing Sikorski directly, Jaishankar urged zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism—the region's longstanding challenge—and hoped to discuss Poland's recent neighborhood visits. Poland must not assist strengthening terrorist structures in our neighborhood, he stated.

Sikorski acknowledged India's concerns, describing the Jaipur Literature Festival as a magnificent global cultural event.

A frequent visitor to India privately and officially, this marks his first trip post-Strategic Partnership. He sought to review progress and future prospects, noting both nations' dynamism requires seizing current opportunities. Sharing 19th-century colonial histories creates special sensitivities.I fully agree on combating cross-border terrorism, Sikorski stated. As you may have heard, Poland recently suffered an arson and state-sponsored terrorism attempt when Polish railway lines were blown under a moving train. Fortunately, terrorists failed, averting casualties.

He concurred on tariff injustices disrupting global trade, expressing hope India remains engaged with Europe amid expanding embassy presence signaling EU seriousness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar