What Are India and Poland Planning for Defence and AI Cooperation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and Poland are enhancing cooperation in defence and AI.
- Both nations are dedicated to combating terrorism.
- Poland aims for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA.
- Strategic partnerships are crucial for mutual growth.
- PM Modi's visit to Poland was a pivotal moment for bilateral relations.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) India and Poland conducted the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Monday, reaching an agreement to accelerate collaboration in the domains of defence and security, science and technology, cyber security, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Throughout the discussions, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to combating terrorism in all its variations. The Polish representatives expressed their backing for the swift finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union.
Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, co-led the meeting.
In a statement circulated on X, the MEA mentioned, "The 11th round of India-Poland Foreign Office Consultations was co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski in New Delhi today. Both parties evaluated the progress under the India-Poland Strategic Partnership, particularly concerning the Five Year Action Plan (2024-2028) agreed during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024."
"They also concurred to expedite collaboration in the sectors of defence, security, science and technology, cyber security, and AI. Both sides reiterated their commitment towards combating terrorism in all its forms. Poland holds the position of being the largest trading partner of India in Central and Eastern Europe. The Polish side further emphasized its support for the early conclusion of the India-EU FTA," the statement added.
Earlier in September, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged in a telephonic dialogue with his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski, reaffirming India's position for an early cessation of conflicts and a sustainable resolution to the situation in Ukraine.
“I spoke with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski of Poland today. He expressed his concerns regarding recent developments impacting Poland's security. I reiterated that India favors a swift end to hostilities and a lasting solution for the Ukrainian conflict,” the EAM shared on X.
PM Modi visited Poland last year, engaging in discussions with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk and former President Andrzej Sebastian Duda. He also toured significant sites that symbolize the historical ties between the two nations. PM Modi characterized his visit to Poland as significant and referred to the central European country as India's "valued friend".
"My visit to Poland has been exceptional. It has been decades since an Indian PM set foot on Polish land. This visit has provided a chance to enhance collaboration with a valued friend. We look forward to a stronger business and cultural connection with Poland. Our friendship can certainly contribute to a better planet. I express my gratitude to the Polish people and government for their hospitality," PM Modi stated on X.