Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday, 22 October 2026, agreed to double bilateral trade between India and Poland by 2030, according to a joint statement issued after their meeting in New Delhi. The two leaders also called for early signing and ratification of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring its potential to unlock new investment opportunities and diversify critical value chains.

Trade and Investment Goals

Prime Minister Modi invited Polish companies to expand their investments and operations in India, citing the country's large market, skilled workforce, and growing manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. Tusk, in turn, appreciated Indian investment in Poland and positioned the country as a strategic gateway for Indian businesses seeking a foothold in Central and Eastern Europe and the broader European market.

The two leaders also welcomed the India-Poland Business Forum held during the visit, attended by leading chief executives and industry representatives from both countries. They encouraged businesses to forge partnerships in sectors including industrial machinery, defence, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, mining and critical minerals, energy, ICT, and other areas of mutual interest.

Technology, AI and Semiconductors

Both leaders recognised the transformative role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in economic growth, productivity, and public service delivery. Acknowledging the India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, Modi and Tusk agreed to undertake collaborative research on AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, and to enhance startup partnerships. They also agreed to foster closer cooperation between enterprises, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems in both countries.

Notably, the leaders highlighted specific opportunities in the semiconductor space — an area that has emerged as a strategic priority for both India and the European Union amid global supply chain realignment.

Critical Minerals, Circular Economy and Space

The Prime Ministers emphasised the potential for collaboration in the circular economy and recovery industry, with a particular focus on battery recycling and rare earth mineral refining. An MoU on geology, mining and critical minerals is reportedly under negotiation, signalling that both sides are moving toward formal institutional arrangements in this strategically sensitive domain.

Cooperation in the space sector was also recognised as a key element of the India-Poland Strategic Partnership, with both leaders encouraging stronger institutional and industry-level engagement to identify concrete areas of mutually beneficial collaboration.

Connectivity and Supply Chain Resilience

The leaders welcomed prospects for enhanced direct flights between Poland and India and encouraged civil aviation authorities from both sides to hold direct talks. On maritime cooperation, both sides highlighted opportunities in the shipping industry and maritime security, underscoring the importance of port cooperation for building a secure and resilient global supply chain network.

The two leaders also noted the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative as a key connectivity mechanism that can shorten transit times and safeguard critical infrastructure against geopolitical disruptions.

With an MoU on critical minerals under negotiation and the EU-India FTA discussions gaining fresh political momentum, the India-Poland partnership appears poised for a significant structural upgrade in the months ahead.