New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Palam airport in Delhi today after concluding his two-nation visit to Poland and Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years. It was also the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ukraine.

During his visit to Ukraine, PM Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter.

They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard.

The Indian side reiterated its principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, as a part of which, India has attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024.

The Ukrainian side welcomed such participation by India and highlighted the importance of high-level Indian participation in the next Peace Summit.

India and Ukraine signed four agreements during the visit.

During his visit to Poland, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with his counterpart Donald Tusk. The two countries decided to elevate their ties to “Strategic Partnership”.

The two leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.

They reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

They also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for the Global South.

In the context of this war, they shared the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a conflict for nearly two-and-a-half years.

India and Poland also reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasised that no country should provide a safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts.

Both sides stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They also reaffirmed on the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

The two sides reinforced their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with the international law of the sea as reflected in UNCLOS and with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation to the benefit of the maritime security and international peace and stability.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Poland today. The Prime Minister is the first Indian leader to visit the nation in over four decades, making it as one of the most significant visits this year.

Top quotes from Prime Minister’s Address

New Delhi:

Two days ahead of his crucial visit to Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he was looking forward to sharing perspectives with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

The prime minister’s comments came shortly before he embarked on a two-nation trip to Poland and Ukraine. In the first leg of the visit, PM Modi is visiting Polish capital city Warsaw on August 21 and 22.

PM Modi will be in Kyiv for around seven hours on August 23 in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country became independent in 1991.

In a departure statement, PM Modi, referring to the Ukraine conflict, said that as a “friend and partner”, India hopes for an early return of peace and stability in the region.

“From Poland, I will be visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine,” he said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict,” he said.

“As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” he added.

PM Modi said he was confident that his visit to Warsaw and Kyiv “will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years ahead”.

The prime minister will travel to Kyiv from Poland in a ‘Rail Force One’ train that will take around 10 hours. The return trip will also be of the same duration.

A number of world leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv by train after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

PM Modi’s visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been calling for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

In his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month, PM Modi said that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs and bullets.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine would be a “landmark and historic” one.

“Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties. And it can only be a negotiated settlement,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA.

“On our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders,” he said.

On his visit to Poland, PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.

“My visit to Poland comes as we mark 70 years of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe,” he said.

“Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further reinforces our relationship. I look forward to meeting my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our partnership,” he said.

“I will also engage with the members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland,” PM Modi said.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Two days ahead of his crucial visit to Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he was looking forward to sharing perspectives with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

The prime minister’s comments came shortly before he embarked on a two-nation trip to Poland and Ukraine. In the first leg of the visit, PM Modi is visiting Polish capital city Warsaw on August 21 and 22.

PM Modi will be in Kyiv for around seven hours on August 23 in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country became independent in 1991.

In a departure statement, PM Modi, referring to the Ukraine conflict, said that as a “friend and partner”, India hopes for an early return of peace and stability in the region.

“From Poland, I will be visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine,” he said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict,” he said.

“As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” he added.

PM Modi said he was confident that his visit to Warsaw and Kyiv “will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years ahead”.

The prime minister will travel to Kyiv from Poland in a ‘Rail Force One’ train that will take around 10 hours. The return trip will also be of the same duration.

A number of world leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv by train after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

PM Modi’s visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.

India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been calling for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

In his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month, PM Modi said that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs and bullets.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine would be a “landmark and historic” one.

“Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties. And it can only be a negotiated settlement,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA.

“On our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders,” he said.

On his visit to Poland, PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.

“My visit to Poland comes as we mark 70 years of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe,” he said.

“Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further reinforces our relationship. I look forward to meeting my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our partnership,” he said.

“I will also engage with the members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland,” PM Modi said.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Lodz, Poland:

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Lodz Governor Dorota Ryl emphasised that Poland views India as a “great partner” for business and other collaborations.

In an interview with ANI, Dorota Ryl mentioned that many business delegations from Poland visit India regularly. She underscored that PM Modi’s visit is of significant importance to Poland and the region.

Regarding PM Modi’s upcoming visit, she stated, “The visit of Prime Minister Modi is of great significance to Poland and the region. We see outstanding examples, such as Infosys, which employs over 3,000 people in the region, and more than 200 Indian MSMEs actively engaged in various businesses here. Numerous business delegations from Poland and the region travel to India, and Poland views India as a great partner for business and potential collaborations.”

The Deputy Mayor of Lodz, Adam Pustelnik, expressed his excitement about PM Modi’s visit to Poland and conveyed his high expectations for the outcomes. He noted that PM Modi is expected to hold discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

On his expectations from PM Modi’s visit, Pustelnik said, “I’m very, very happy that Prime Minister Modi is coming to our country and that he will engage in dialogue with our key leaders, including the Prime Minister and the President. I think it’s a truly unique moment.”

He added, “It’s difficult for me to formulate expectations. Instead, I would ask what we can do for India and how we can contribute to our mutual relations and growth. I believe this visit is one of the most important in recent times, and I have very high hopes for its results.”

Amit Lath, Vice President of the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and a Pravasi Bharatiya awardee, described PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Poland as “historic.” He emphasised that this visit presents numerous opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

“This is a historic visit, as an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Poland after 45 years. The last visit was by Morarji Desai in 1979. This milestone is an important step forward for India and Poland to build a strong partnership. Poland, often referred to as the ‘tiger of the economy’ in Central Europe, is among the top five economies in Europe. Poland’s strategic location allows it to serve Central, Eastern, and Western Europe effectively. During this visit, I am confident that many areas of collaboration and cooperation will be discussed, benefiting both governments and businesses,” he stated.

“We have been in Poland for 25 years, and I’ve observed significant growth in business… Indian vegetarian food has become a new trend. It’s something people talk about a lot. In Europe, when people hear about vegetarian food, they ask what there is to eat, and we introduce them to Indian cuisine–naan, kulcha, parathas, samosas, and so many diverse dishes from across India. This strengthens relationships and ties between the two countries. Food, after all, is a universal language that connects us,” he added.

Lath also highlighted the growth of business in India under PM Modi’s leadership, noting, “This is a new India, and it has been growing rapidly over the last decade. When we travel worldwide, we can see the difference. Leadership plays a crucial role. With the world’s youngest population, India excites people in Europe, who often describe India as a dream destination. It’s heartening to hear that many people want to visit India, and many have already done so, whether through business delegations or private visits.”

He pointed out potential areas for collaboration between India and Poland, including the pharma sector, agriculture, and the food industry.

When asked about sectors where the two nations could collaborate, he said, “The pharma sector is a significant one where Poland plays a crucial role, and many Indian companies could collaborate. The IT sector is already present, but there is much scope for further cooperation. Additionally, agriculture and the food industry offer ample opportunities for collaboration.”

PM Modi will be visiting Poland on August 21-22 at the invitation of his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk. MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal described this visit as “landmark,” marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years.

In a special briefing on Monday, Tanmaya Lal said, “PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Poland on August 21 and 22, at the invitation of PM Donald Tusk. This is a landmark visit, as it’s the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.”

“This historic visit, in a landmark year for India-Poland relations, will provide an opportunity for our leaders to review the bilateral relationship, offer guidance on enhancing it in various areas, and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he added.

Lal also recalled the long-standing ties between India and Poland, highlighting Poland’s assistance to India in evacuating students from Ukraine during the 2022 conflict, as well as the episode from the 1940s when over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in the princely states of Jamnagar and Kolhapur.

“The Indian community in Poland is estimated to be around 25,000, including approximately 5,000 students. The government and people of Poland provided valuable assistance during ‘Operation Ganga,’ which evacuated more than 4,000 Indian students from Ukraine via Poland in 2022. One unique bond between our countries dates back to the 1940s during World War II when over 6,000 Polish women and children were given refuge in Jamnagar and Kolhapur,” Tanmaya Lal said.

During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with his Polish counterpart and the President, and will also engage with the Indian community. He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw. After concluding his visit to Poland, PM Modi will travel to Ukraine.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)