India, Poland Plan To Elevate Ties To Strategic Partnership, Agree On Social Security Agreement

Tanmaya Lal said that an important development was an understanding to finalise the Social Security Agreement, which is significant for professionals working in each other's countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk during a meeting, in Warsaw, Poland.

Source : PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland has been historic and successful, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmaya Lal, said on Thursday. 

Tanmaya Lal said that an important development as part of the bilateral visit was an understanding to finalise the Social Security Agreement, which is significant for professionals working in each other's countries.

"The visit has been historic and very successful. Historic, since this was after 45 years that an Indian PM was visiting Poland and also this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations," the Secretary West said.

He said that one of the main aspects of the visit has been that India and Poland have decided to take their relationship to the level of strategic partnership. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Poland, where he arrived on Wednesday at the invitation of his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk. The historic visit, came as both nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The two leaders also decided to elevate the bilateral relations to the level of a "Strategic Partnership," recognizing the long-standing ties and reaffirming the deep-rooted bonds of friendship between the two nations and peoples, a joint statement released on Thursday said.

Speaking on the significance of ties with Poland, Tanmaya Lal said, "Poland is a very important partner for India in this region. Poland will also be holding the Presidency of the European Union Council next year. India-EU relations are also extensive as some of you would be knowing that there are negotiations ongoing on finalising an India-EU FTA."

The joint statement said that the two leaders stressed the need to maintain regular high-level contacts to strengthen bilateral political dialogue and develop mutually beneficial initiatives. 

"The leaders agreed to further intensify bilateral economic relations, stimulate trade and investment, and explore new mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. In this regard, they agreed to fully utilize the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation," it said.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of connectivity between the countries and noted the longstanding special people to people ties and agreed to strengthen these further. 

"They welcomed the commencement of direct flight connections between the two countries and stress the need for a further increase of direct flights connections to new destinations in both countries. Both sides underlined the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, and the patency of infrastructure corridors," it added.

The two leaders held discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations and welcomed the upgradation of India-Poland ties to a Strategic Partnership. 

PM Modi also expressed sincere gratitude for Poland's invaluable and timely assistance in evacuating Indian citizens from Ukraine during ‘Operation Ganga’, the MEA said.