Strengthening India-Poland Ties: 11th Foreign Office Consultations Conclude in New Delhi

India and Poland have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral engagement during the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi on Monday. Co-chaired by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Shri Sibi George, and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wladyslaw T. Bartoszewski, the high-level dialogue focused on reviewing the comprehensive progress of the India-Poland Strategic Partnership. The consultations provided a platform to assess ongoing initiatives and chart a forward-looking roadmap for cooperation in critical sectors.

Implementing the Strategic Vision

A central theme of the discussions was the implementation of the Five-Year Action Plan (2024-2028), which was agreed upon during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024. Both sides took stock of the strides made under this framework, which serves as the blueprint for elevating bilateral ties. The delegations engaged in a detailed assessment of the progress achieved since the Strategic Partnership was formalized, underscoring the shared ambition to cultivate a relationship anchored in mutual trust and long-term strategic convergence.

Focus on Defence and Critical Technologies

Recognizing the evolving global security landscape, India and Poland agreed to expedite cooperation in several high-priority areas. The consultations highlighted defence and security as key pillars of the partnership, with both nations expressing a keen interest in deepening engagement in these domains. Furthermore, the dialogue placed significant emphasis on future-oriented sectors, specifically science and technology, cyber security, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both sides acknowledged the immense potential for collaboration in these fields to drive innovation and secure digital infrastructure. Additionally, the delegations reiterated their unequivocal commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reinforcing their shared stance on global security challenges.

Economic Engagement and Global Outlook

On the economic front, the consultations underscored Poland’s status as India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Both sides discussed avenues to further diversify trade and investment baskets to reflect the true potential of their economies. Notably, the Polish delegation reiterated its strong support for the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signaling a commitment to broader economic integration between India and Europe.

The meeting also facilitated a comprehensive exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The delegations discussed security challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, as well as cooperation within multilateral fora. The constructive dialogue concluded with a reaffirmation to maintain regular diplomatic exchanges, ensuring the momentum of the India-Poland partnership continues to grow in the coming years.