Poland Courts India for Defense Industry Collaboration Amid Global Tensions

Poland seeks to enhance defense industry ties with India as it strives to benefit from India's modernization efforts and reduction of reliance on Russian military supplies. During Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to Warsaw, Poland expressed readiness to assist in upgrading India's Soviet-era military equipment. Modi emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts.

Poland is eager to deepen its cooperation with India in the defense industry, stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday, aligning with New Delhi's move to modernize its armed forces and lessen dependence on Russian suppliers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Warsaw on his way to Kyiv, where he aims to discuss peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This visit follows Modi's previous trip to Moscow, which faced criticism due to a coinciding Russian attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Tusk emphasized Poland's readiness to participate in modernizing India's military equipment during a joint news conference. Notably, this meeting marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Warsaw in 45 years, highlighting the priority placed on defense collaboration. A Polish official noted India's arsenal of Soviet-era equipment, such as T-72 tanks, which Poland could repair or refit. Modi reiterated India's stance on using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, a sentiment echoed by Tusk, who lauded India's potential positive impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)