Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday, with defence, space and nuclear energy emerging as the centrepieces of an expanding strategic partnership. The meeting, held on the second day of Tusk’s three-day visit to India, also saw both leaders issue a clear statement on global conflicts, with Modi saying India will continue to back every meaningful effort to bring peace to Ukraine and West Asia.
Tusk, who arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, is leading a delegation that includes Polish Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domanski and a business delegation. He was received at the airport by Minister of State Raj Bhushan Choudhary. This is his second visit to India as Poland’s Prime Minister, the first coming during his earlier tenure in 2010.
Defence, space and nuclear on the agenda
In his media statement after the talks, Modi said the two countries had reached an understanding to deepen relations in defence, space and nuclear energy. He invited Polish companies to engage in co-development and co-production with India across these strategic sectors.
“We have reached understanding to deepen relations in defence, space, and nuclear energy. We invite companies from Poland to engage in co-development and co-production with India in all these strategic sectors,” Modi said.
The defence push is significant. Poland has been looking to bring its defence companies to India, and officials on both sides have been working on expanding defence manufacturing and exports. The talks come at a time when India is actively deepening defence industrial cooperation with European partners.
Trade, FTA and the economic pitch
Modi also underlined the growing economic weight of the relationship, noting that the rising bilateral economic strength has opened new opportunities for the partnership. Bilateral trade currently stands at around USD 6 billion, with both sides reported to be aiming to double it.
The Prime Minister said India’s free trade agreement with the European Union would further solidify economic engagement between the two countries, positioning Poland as a key gateway for Indian businesses looking at the EU market.
- Defence: co-development and co-production push with Polish firms
- Space: cooperation across satellite and emerging technologies
- Nuclear energy: deeper collaboration between the two countries
- Trade: bilateral trade near USD 6 billion, aim to double
- FTA: India-EU free trade pact seen as economic booster
Peace in Ukraine and West Asia
Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict figuring prominently. Modi said India believes in democratic values and the rule of law, and stressed that reform is essential to make global governance institutions more empowered and effective.
“Be it Ukraine or West Asia, India will continue to support every meaningful effort towards peace,” he said.
A packed day in Delhi
Before the talks, Tusk called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across a wide range of domains. Jaishankar said on X that he reviewed progress on the Joint Action Plan 2024-28, which covers trade and investment, space, digital, AI, semiconductors, defence, education, shipping, mining and energy.
Tusk also laid a wreath at Rajghat, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian delegation at the talks included Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Two India-Poland Business Forums are scheduled during the visit, in New Delhi on Thursday and Bengaluru on Friday. After Delhi, Tusk travels to Bengaluru to meet business stakeholders, including representatives of the information technology and space sectors.
Why this visit matters
The India-Poland relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, and Tusk’s current visit is seen as giving fresh impetus to that framework. The MEA said the visit would deepen the India-European Union strategic partnership as well.
With renewed global efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and a rapidly evolving security landscape in Europe, Poland’s engagement with India carries weight beyond the bilateral. For New Delhi, the visit fits a broader pattern of deepening ties with European partners on trade, technology and defence.
FAQs
Who did PM Modi meet on Thursday?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on October 22, 2026.
What were the key outcomes of the Modi-Tusk talks?
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy, with Modi inviting Polish companies for co-development and co-production with India. Trade, technology and regional issues were also discussed.
How long is Donald Tusk’s India visit?
Tusk is on a three-day official visit from October 21 to 23, 2026. He travels to Bengaluru on October 23 for business engagements.
What did Modi say on Ukraine?
Modi said India will continue to support every meaningful effort to establish peace in Ukraine and West Asia.
When were India-Poland ties elevated to a Strategic Partnership?
The relationship was elevated during PM Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024.
The talks underline a partnership that is moving well beyond trade. With defence co-production, space cooperation and a Europe-focused trade pitch all on the table, India and Poland appear set to anchor a deeper engagement in the years ahead.
