Poland Partnership Expands With Defence, Minerals and Startup Push
New Delhi, October 22: India and Poland are expanding their partnership across defence, critical minerals, technology and trade, according to Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, who spoke to reporters on Thursday during the visit of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
George said the visit is accompanied by the Finance Minister and a substantial business delegation, reflecting a shared desire to strengthen economic links. He noted that Prime Minister Modi's trip to Poland in August 2024 had already added momentum. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 40 years, and it led to the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership and the preparation of an Action Plan for 2024-28.
The two countries also observed the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. George called Poland a significant partner for India in Central and Eastern Europe and within the European Union. He said the visit matters not just for bilateral ties but also in the context of the broader India-EU Strategic Partnership.
He described the visit as an opportunity to accelerate the strategic partnership. Bilateral trade reached 6.36 billion dollars in 2025, and both countries are working toward doubling it. Defence cooperation, supply chains for critical minerals, emerging technologies and renewable energy have been identified as priority areas.
George outlined new growth areas, including EV batteries, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and clean technologies. He said Prime Minister Modi invited Polish companies to seek opportunities in India under the Make in India programme.
The leaders agreed on the importance of resilient supply chains, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, innovation and digital change. Current bilateral trade is about 6.3 billion US dollars, while Indian investment in Poland is estimated to exceed 3 billion US dollars. Both sides aim to double trade by 2030.
The business delegation traveling with the Polish Prime Minister includes companies from defence, agritech, food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, mining, infrastructure, heavy machinery and renewable energy.
On science and innovation, George said that building on Poland's participation in the February AI Impact Summit, the two countries have agreed to research cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technologies. They also agreed to strengthen startup partnerships and foster engagement among businesses, research institutions and innovation networks.
George said both sides strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and called for decisive international action against terrorists, their networks, safe havens and funding, in accordance with international law. They reaffirmed support for effective and reform-oriented multilateralism based on the UN Charter. Poland supported India's membership in a reformed and enlarged UN Security Council. The leaders also exchanged views on prominent regional and international developments.
On defence and security, George said both sides are working to finalise agreements on the protection and exchange of classified information, critical minerals, archival collaboration, and cooperation in culture, science and higher education. Poland, as a major EU member, joined India in welcoming the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the EU's new strategic agenda, the security and defence partnership and the mobility framework, which will further deepen ties between the two nations.