Poland PM Donald Tusk says, “Proud to call PM Modi my friend, no conflict of interest between India and Poland”

October 22, 2026

New Delhi: Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday praised the strengthening relations between India and Poland, saying he is proud to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi his friend. He said there is no conflict of interest between India and Poland. He also praised India’s role in global affairs.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Tusk emphasized the positive relations between the two countries. He said, “I am proud to call Prime Minister Modi my friend.”

He also said that there is no conflict of interest between India and Poland and that Poland values ​​India’s role in global affairs.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement will increase opportunities for cooperation: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s growing economic strength has created new opportunities for the India-Poland partnership. He stated that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) has further broadened these opportunities.

Modi stated at a joint press conference, “Our growing economic strength has created new opportunities for the India-Poland partnership. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has further broadened these opportunities.”

Before the press conference, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Relations between the two countries elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024

Prime Minister Modi welcomed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to India. He recalled his visit to Poland in 2024, during which the two countries elevated their relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Modi stated that the relationship between the two countries has gained new momentum in the last two years. He also emphasized that the friendship between India and Poland is not limited to diplomatic relations but is based on a shared heritage of humanity and sensitivity.

Referring to World War II, Prime Minister Modi said that the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur had sheltered thousands of Polish children and families in India during that period. He described this as an important part of the historical relationship between the two countries.

Discussions on Increasing Cooperation in Trade, Defense, and Technology

Donald Tusk’s visit to India is scheduled from October 21st to 23rd. During this visit, discussions are being held on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and increasing cooperation in various areas, including trade, defense, and technology.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with his Polish counterpart at Hyderabad House. The meeting reviewed relations between the two countries and considered new avenues for mutual cooperation.

On the same day, the Polish Prime Minister visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and laid a wreath at his mausoleum.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with Donald Tusk. Jaishankar wrote on the social media platform X that he was delighted to meet the Polish Prime Minister and they shared views on deepening India-Poland cooperation in various areas.

First visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010

Donald Tusk arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by Polish Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domanski and a business delegation.

During his visit, Tusk will participate in the India-Poland Business Forum in New Delhi. He will then travel to Bengaluru on October 23rd, where he will interact with representatives from India’s information technology and space sectors.

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, the two countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership. The current visit is the first visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010.

Target to Increase Bilateral Trade to $10 Billion

Former Polish Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski said that the two countries aim to increase annual bilateral trade from approximately $6 billion to $10 billion.

He described the role of the Business Forum as important in promoting partnerships between companies. He said that defense and space technology could also be key areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He also said that a free trade agreement between India and the European Union could help further expand economic ties.