Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “beacon of hope” for the world, praising India’s economic development and the role PM Modi plays on the global
stage. The remarks came amid delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Tusk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the India-Poland Strategic Partnership.
Addressing a joint press statement with PM Modi, Tusk said he was proud to call the Indian Prime Minister his friend and highlighted the economic growth experienced by both countries over the past 35 years.
“Someone like you, Prime Minister, leading a country as powerful as India, is a beacon of hope for all of us. I am very proud, truly proud, to be able to call myself your friend, Mr Prime Minister,” Tusk said.
“Over the past 35 years, both our countries have experienced unprecedented economic success and dynamic growth.”
“Let me put it straightforwardly, without any doubts or hesitation, the world looks upon us with envy, at how India is developing and at Poland’s development,” he added.
Tusk Says India, Poland Have No Conflicts Of Interest
The Polish Prime Minister said the two countries had held fruitful discussions on strengthening their strategic partnership, which was established during PM Modi’s visit to Warsaw in August 2024.
“We had a fruitful discussion with Prime Minister Modi about how Poland and India can develop and strengthen their strategic partnership. The decision to establish this partnership was made jointly during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Warsaw in August 2024,” Tusk said.
He emphasised that India and Poland had complementary interests and no historical disputes dividing them.
“The synergies between Poland and India are quite clear. We have no conflicts of interest and no historical issues that divide us. We are building our friendship based on trust, shared values, and ideas such as non-violence,” he said.
Referring to Poland’s Solidarity movement, Tusk said the country’s tradition of non-violent action had been inspired by India’s own traditions.
“We value and appreciate the global role that you, Prime Minister, play on the world stage. It is a source of hope in these times of destabilisation, uncertainty, political uncertainty, and instability,” Tusk said.
PM Modi Announces Push For Defence, Space And Nuclear Energy Cooperation
Speaking during the joint address, PM Modi said India and Poland had agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy following their talks. He also highlighted plans to expand collaboration in culture, education, sports and tourism.
“Today, we also decided to further strengthen our cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism. We also held detailed discussions on regional and global developments,” PM Modi said.
He added that both countries believed in democratic values and the rule of law and supported reforms to make global governance institutions stronger and more effective.
“Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, India will continue to support every meaningful effort towards peace,” PM Modi said, underlining India’s position on regional and international developments.
PM Modi also referred to the historical ties between the two countries, saying their shared history was deeply rooted in humanity and compassion.
He recalled how the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur had provided shelter to thousands of Polish children and families during World War II.
He also acknowledged Poland’s support in the safe evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022.
Tusk’s India Visit Focuses On Strategic And Economic Ties
Both the counterparts held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore opportunities to deepen the strategic partnership.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Tusk was accompanied by Poland’s Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domanski and a business delegation.
Tusk arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his official visit to India from October 21 to 23.
Earlier today, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat by laying a wreath at the memorial. Jaishankar also called on the Polish Prime Minister to discuss ways to deepen cooperation across several sectors.
The visit includes engagements focused on trade, defence, technology, space and other areas of mutual interest.
An India-Poland Business Forum is being held in New Delhi on October 22, followed by Tusk’s scheduled visit to Bengaluru on October 23, where he is expected to engage with business stakeholders from India’s information technology and space sectors.
India and Poland elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024.
Tusk’s current visit marks the first visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010.
