Indo- Poland relations

Indo- Poland relations

 

Why in the news?

The Indian Prime Minister recently visited Poland, marking the first official visit by an Indian leader to the country in 45 years.

 

Key highlights of the visit

  • The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and India, marking a milestone in the long-standing relationship.
  • The talks between the two nations are set to cover a wide array of sectors including agriculture, information technology, security, and eco-friendly technologies, with a particular focus on India’s advancements in the space industry.
  • The visit signifies a deepening of political and economic ties and holds international significance.

 

About India-Poland Relations

 

Historical background

  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1954, the two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.
  • The two countries share several chapters of history.
  • During World War II, the Maharaja of Jamnagar provided refuge to several hundred Polish women and children trying to reach the West. A street and a junior high school in Warsaw have been named in his honour.
  • In 1944, Poles and Indians joined forces to retake the hill and monastery of Monte Cassino, pushing out German forces and opening the Allies’ path to Rome.

 

 

Geographical background

  • Poland is located in Central Europe and shares borders with seven countries: Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia
  • The northern part of the country features sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea, while the central region consists of rolling lowlands. To the south, the Carpathian and Sudeten Mountains rise.

 

Economic & commercial Relations:

  •  Poland remains India's largest trading and investment partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Between 2013 and 2023, the total bilateral trade with Poland has grown by 192%, rising from US$1.95 billion in 2013 to US$5.72 billion in 2023.

Mining/Energy Sector:

  • Poland's expertise in clean coal technologies and intelligent mining has significantly contributed to India's mining and power sectors, with collaborative efforts formalized through a 2019 MoU.

Agro-food Processing:

  • Poland's advanced food processing technologies are well-suited for participation in India's Mega Food Parks, supported by a Joint Working Group on Food Processing.

Cultural and Educational Relations:

 Poland has a strong Indology tradition with early Sanskrit studies and prominent Indology departments, supported by recent ICCR initiatives and Indian professor appointments

 

Significance of Relations: India is now the fifth and soon-to-be third-largest economy in the world, while Poland ranks sixth in the EU and 21st globally.

○India is becoming a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, where a systemic rivalry exists between two superpowers: China and the United States (US).

○Poland is positioned as the West’s hub for operations in Ukraine, is the leading country on NATO’s eastern flank, and plays a pivotal role in constructing a new architecture for European security against Russia.

  • Recognising these shifts, both the countries are striving harder than ever to forge better political and economic ties.

 

Challenges in India-Poland Relations

  • Poland’s exports to India are significantly higher than its imports from India.
  • In 2022, Poland exported goods worth approximately $1.5 billion to India, while importing only about $700 million worth of Indian goods.
  • This imbalance affects the economic relationship and creates trade friction.
  • Poland mainly exports machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals to India, while India's exports to Poland include textiles, jewellery, and chemicals. The disparity in trade volumes is the result of various factors, including market access and logistical issues.
  • Despite having common interests, such as a stable and secure international order, India and Poland have not fully explored strategic and political cooperation.
  • Both nations have differing priorities in international forums and may not always align on global issues.
  • India’s focus on its "Act East" policy and Poland’s alignment with the European Union’s policies can sometimes lead to differing stances on issues like climate change and international security.

 

Way to forward

  • The key areas of bilateral Poland-India cooperation focus areas can be research and development, particularly in electromobility.
  • Direct air connections between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Warsaw facilitate business, scientific, and tourism ties that began in 2019.
  • Poland’s aspirations to create a new aviation hub in the heart of Europe could align well with India’s expanding aviation infrastructure, where passenger traffic is growing by 15 percent annually.
  • With the largest ship design office in Europe and shipyards capable of constructing modern cargo and passenger vessels powered by electric and LNG propulsion, Poland could be a key partner.
  • Poland needs to adopt a new perspective on India as a flourishing global player, recognised by major world powers like the US and China.