PM Modi's visit to forge new chapter in India-Poland ties: Top Polish diplomat

The top Polish diplomat in Delhi, Dr Sebastian Domżalski has expressed his optimism on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to his country. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European country in 45 years, the last being in 1979 by Morarji Desai.

Speaking to WION, he said, "We see the growing importance of India in Asia, world and in global affairs. We want to work with India, closer...I hope PM Modi's visit will not only be a new chapter in our relations, hopefully, we will be able to write a new book".

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PM Modi will be in Poland on the 21st and 22nd of August. During the visit PM will be paying tributes at the "Good Maharaja Square".

The square in the Polish national capital is to honour the Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, Gujarat who in 1942 gave refuge to Polish children fleeing persecution after Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The Polish Chargé d’affaires said, "Jam Sahib is remembered for his work, for his contribution".

During the visit PM Modi will meet Poland's President Poland's President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It is expected that the Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed during the talk.

The Polish diplomat said, "What is very important, India stands out against war, stands out for peace and dialogue, highlights the importance of UN charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is close to our mind. Rules-based order binds us together".

India has emphasised dialogue and diplomacy on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine

On Poland's stance on UN Security Council reforms and India's bid for UNSC, Dr Sebastian Domżalski pointed to his foreign minister's comments in the Parliament that "it is surprising to us that India is not a permanent member of UNSC".

The diplomat highlighted that "we would like to see a wider representation of central Europe... the voice of central Europe should be heard".

During the visit PM Modi will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, alongside the Polish soldiers. The battle was a key turning point in the Allied Victory and liberation of Rome.

The battle remains the most brutal conflict of World War 2 and Indian soldiers played a key role in wearing down German defences. The homage by the Indian prime minister is a message by Delhi, on its role in shaping the world 70 years ago, something that the international community has rarely acknowledged much.