Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit to Poland and Ukraine from August 21 to 23. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has extended an invitation for Modi to visit his country. After conclusion of his Polish visit, Modi will travel to Ukraine on August 23, which is aimed at strengthening India's ties with the European Union. Last month when Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the MEA has reaffirmed India's position on the Ukraine conflict.
Recently, the Indian diaspora in Ukraine urged Modi to offer a humanitarian response to the ongoing war against Russia. In the appeal it was written, “At this saddest hour for humanity, we appeal to Your Excellency to give an appropriate Indian humanist response to this heinous situation. We respectfully request your support in the peace efforts concerning the Russian-Ukrainian war. Your leadership and intervention could significantly contribute to bringing about a resolution and restoring peace in the most righteous manner, and thereby it will highlight India’s commitment to humanist and democratic values.” This visit would mark the first time an Indian prime minister has travelled to Ukraine since 1982.
Speaking to Asian Voice, CEO & Managing Partner, Sharda Group of Companies and Vice President, Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry Amit Lath said, “This visit is a historic milestone in strengthening India-Poland relations. While Polish and Indian leaders have exchanged visits before, this marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland since 1979. Poland's central location and its status as one of the top six economies in Europe make it a key partner for India. Similarly, India is a crucial partner for Poland, offering a vast market of 600 million middle-class consumers.”
Amit said, “The Indian diaspora is excited about Modi's visit to Poland, especially since it marks the first such visit in many years. This visit not only generates enthusiasm but also serves to elevate Poland's profile among the Indian community. It is expected that discussions between the two governments will focus on various areas of cooperation, paving the way for a strong partnership between the regions and countries.”
“This visit also holds significance in the broader context of the ongoing India-Europe Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Strengthening ties between India and European countries like Poland could facilitate a more favourable outcome for the FTA, which is crucial for both sides. Europe, currently facing economic challenges, stands to benefit greatly from closer economic ties with India. As traditional markets like Russia remain closed and China presents increasing difficulties, and with the US pursuing its own strategies, India emerges as a natural and valuable market for Europe. Poland, in particular, stands to gain from this evolving relationship,” he added.
Speaking about the India-Poland relationship, he highlighted Poland's crucial role during the early stages of the Ukraine war, especially in helping evacuate Indian students. He said, “We are deeply grateful to Poland for allowing these students to cross their borders without visas, even in cases where students had lost their passports. This act of kindness by Poland stands as a testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Moreover, this cooperation echoes a historical connection dating back to World War II, when the Maharajas of Jamnagar and Kolhapur provided refuge to thousands of Polish women and children fleeing the conflict. The Maharajas’ generosity is a symbol of the enduring ties between India and Poland. In many ways, both countries have shown remarkable solidarity in times of need, and we are profoundly thankful for the mutual care and support extended to our citizens.”
Historical ties between India and Poland
India and Poland share a rich historical bond, marked by mutual support and cultural exchange. During the early 1940s, Poland faced devastation from German and Soviet invasions, leading to a severe refugee crisis. At that time, the princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur in India extended sanctuary to Polish refugees. Specifically, around 1,000 Polish children, many orphans, were sheltered at Camp Balachadi in Jamnagar by Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja. These children, part of an amnesty allowing their escape from the Soviet Union in 1942, were held until their return to Poland in 1946, after the war ended.
The Balachadi camp was converted into a Sainik School in 1961, featuring a plaque gifted by Polish survivor to commemorate the Polish children’s stay. Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji's generosity led to him being honoured as the patron of the first public school established in Warsaw after World War II, named in his honour. Today, eight schools bear his name. In 2012, the Polish Sejm posthumously awarded him the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit, and Warsaw's City Council named a park square in the Ochota district "Square of the Good Maharaja" to honour his legacy.
