Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Poland on the first leg of his two-nation visit, during which he will also visit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister in 45 years (after Morarji Desai) to be visiting the European nation, received a ceremonial welcome in the Polish capital Warsaw. Later, he was also welcomed warmly by the Indian diaspora in the European nation amid chants of ‘Modi-Modi’.

“Landed in Poland. Looking forward to the various programmes here. This visit will add momentum to the India-Poland friendship and benefit the people of our nations,” the Indian PM wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Landed in Poland. Looking forward to the various programmes here. This visit will add momentum to the India-Poland friendship and benefit the people of our nations. pic.twitter.com/KniZnr4x8g

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2024

PM Modi’s Itinerary For Today

PM Modi is expected to meet Polish President Andrzej Sebastian Duda today. He is also likely to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Indian Prime Minister will also address the members of the Indian community – estimated at around 25,000 – select Polish business leaders and prominent Indologists.

The Prime Minister will visit Kyiv on August 23 and hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Modi In Poland

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Warsaw amid chants of Modi-Modi, the Indian Prime Minister said India had a policy for decades to maintain distance from all the countries, however, the policy of today’s India is to remain close to all the countries. 

“India is the land of Lord Buddha’s legacy. Therefore, India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. India’s concept is clear – this is not an era of war… India believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflict,” Modi told the gathering on the eve of his visit to Ukraine. 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.

Modi, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that he will share with the Ukrainian leader perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict. 

“Today’s India wants to connect with all. Today’s India talks about the development of all. Today’s India is with all and thinks about the interests of all,” Modi said. 

Modi also recalled that Poland was one of the first countries to assist when Gujarat was hit by an earthquake two decades ago. He also paid homage at three memorials, including the monument of the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, known in Poland affectionately as ‘Good Maharaja’ who provided refuge to over 1,000 Polish children who escaped the Soviet Union. 

“People of Poland have given a lot of love and respect to Jam Saheb and his family members, and the Good Maharaja Square is a testimony of that. Today, I have visited the Dobry Maharaja Memorial and Kolhapur Memorial. On this occasion, I want to announce that India has decided to launch the Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Action programme,” he said. Under this programme, India will invite 20 Polish youths annually to visit India. 

PM Modi further said that India of the 21st century is moving ahead on the path of development while priding itself on its values and heritage. “We Indians are known for our efforts, actions and empathy. Wherever we go, we Indians can be seen making maximum efforts. Be it entrepreneurship, caregivers or our service sector, Indians are bringing laurels to the country through their efforts,” he said.

Modi noted” that India and Poland have a lot of similarities. One of them is democracy. India is not just the mother of democracy, but also a participative and vibrant democracy. People of India have a lot of confidence in democracy, and this was evident in the recent (Lok Sabha) elections,” he added.