Polish PM Donald Tusk Meets Modi Today as Warsaw Seeks Defence Partnerships with India

Poland is looking to deepen defence industry cooperation with India and is ready to supply “really great, and good value equipment”, Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tusk’s visit marks the first trip to India by a Polish prime minister in 16 years. Domanski, who is accompanying him, also pitched Poland as a centre of economic growth and a gateway for Indian businesses seeking access to European markets.

“The Polish economy is doing pretty well so far. We are the fastest growing large European economy with GDP growth expected 3.6 per cent this year,” Domanski told The Indian Express.

He added that Poland expected to sustain growth of around 3 per cent or more in the coming quarters and years, while expanding its contribution to the European Union’s overall economic growth.

Domanski said Poland was seeking new drivers of economic expansion, particularly through investments in clean energy, nuclear power and advanced technologies. The country plans to develop both large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs), creating opportunities for foreign investors.

“We are open also for equity investments in our economy, we are looking for foreign partners, and we would love to see more investments from the Indian economy as well,” he said, adding that investment cooperation would be among the topics discussed during Tusk’s visit.

A large business delegation is accompanying the Polish prime minister to India.

Defence Industry Cooperation in Focus

Poland has expanded its defence capabilities in response to security concerns arising from Russia’s military activities, sharing borders with both Russia and Ukraine.

Domanski said Warsaw was keen to strengthen defence ties with New Delhi, noting that Poland currently spends close to 5 per cent of its gross domestic product on modernising its armed forces.

At the same time, he said, Poland was developing its domestic defence industry and saw opportunities to supply equipment to India.

“Our companies are willing to cooperate with Indian partners on some R&D development, as I strongly believe that what really serves the best is… close cooperation of defence industries, developing mutual trust on both sides,” he said.

He cited Poland’s WB Group, which manufactures advanced defence equipment for Poland and Ukraine, as an example of the country’s industrial capabilities.

Polish officials acknowledged that building mutual trust would be a key challenge in strengthening bilateral relations. Historically, India has maintained close ties with the Soviet Union and later Russia, while Poland’s experience under communist rule has contributed to deep-rooted distrust towards Moscow.

Nevertheless, Domanski said Poland was interested in partnerships spanning defence production, research and development, and export markets.

Clean Energy, Agriculture and Mining Offer Opportunities

Beyond defence, Domanski identified clean energy, agriculture, mining and heavy industry as sectors with significant potential for cooperation between the two countries.

He said Poland was undertaking efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce energy prices, while India’s progress in economic development and energy infrastructure offered opportunities for collaboration.

“We will, of course, discuss mainly economical issues, cooperation in the defence industry. There is lots of room for cooperation in clean energy transition,” he said.

Domanski also highlighted Poland’s strong agricultural sector and its readiness to work more closely with Indian partners in mining and other industrial activities.

He urged Indian companies to consider Poland as a base for expanding their operations across Europe, pointing to the country’s economic growth and efforts to streamline investment procedures.

“Poland is the fastest growing European economy. Our contribution to European GDP growth actually is higher than that of Germany or France, and of course, it also means that Poland could serve as a great gain for Indian companies that would like to enter European markets,” he said.

More Than 80 Polish Companies to Visit India

Domanski said Poland was bringing more than 80 companies to India to explore commercial partnerships across a range of industries, including defence, dual-use technologies and space.

He specifically mentioned ICEYE, a Polish-Finnish company known for its advanced satellite imaging technology, as an example of the capabilities Polish businesses could offer Indian partners.

“We have great companies from many sectors: Defence, dual use, space. We invest a lot in space industry right now,” he said.

He added that the delegation would meet Indian businesses in both New Delhi and Bengaluru, with the aim of expanding commercial ties and developing new partnerships.

“With partners like India, with global superpower like India, we can together make a very good business,” Domanski said.

Modi-Tusk Talks to Review Strategic Partnership

On Thursday, Modi and Tusk are expected to review the full range of bilateral relations, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024.

The discussions are expected to cover economic cooperation, defence manufacturing, clean energy and other areas of mutual interest.

Tusk will also travel to Bengaluru to meet business stakeholders. India-Poland Business Forums are scheduled to take place in both New Delhi and Bengaluru, providing opportunities for companies from the two countries to explore investments and strengthen commercial links.