New Delhi, February 6: Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Władysław Bartoszewski, commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his positive global role. In a special interview, he noted that PM Modi had successfully deterred Russia from considering a nuclear strike on Ukraine.
Discussing the amicable ties between India and Poland, Bartoszewski stated, “We have very good relations with India, and we acknowledge its role in the world.”
He highlighted PM Modi‘s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying, “As I mentioned in an interview in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi spoke with President Putin at the end of 2022 and dissuaded him from attempting to use tactical nuclear devices in Ukraine. This was a positive role played by PM Modi, reflecting India’s engagement in Global Affairs, and I hope this continues.”
Recalling PM Modi‘s visit to Poland, Bartoszewski said, “In 2024, we signed a strategic partnership agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in 45 years. It was a significant trip, and now we have also signed a Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, of which we are a part. I have just returned from the Foreign Ministry, where we discussed several practical steps related to military cooperation, digital industry collaboration, security issues, IT investment in high-tech, space cooperation, and more.”
When asked if India has secured more beneficial trade deals with the U.S. compared to other countries, he responded, “I believe India is a major economic power. You are now fourth in the world in terms of GDP, and PM Modi has made it clear that your goal is to become the third-largest economy soon. India is a vast market; nearly 1.5 billion people live here, making it an advanced market. It would be unwise to overlook a country with such potential.”
On the India-U.S. trade deal, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister remarked, “Having a trade deal is better than not having one, as tariffs do not guarantee prosperity. When tariffs are imposed, it is usually the consumer who ultimately pays. Therefore, the lower the tariffs, the better. It is encouraging that India and the U.S. have reached an agreement that significantly reduces tariffs.”
The Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Siby George, held an important meeting with Bartoszewski in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries and discussed the key objectives of the 2024-2028 action plan.