Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “friend” and said India and Poland had no “conflict of interest”. He also praised India’s role in global affairs during a joint press meet with Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Tusk is visiting India from October 21 to 23. His visit aims to strengthen the Strategic Partnership established in 2024 and expand cooperation in trade, defence and technology. It is the first visit by a Polish prime minister to India since 2010.

Modi welcomed Tusk and recalled his 2024 visit to Poland. “I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister of Poland in India. During my visit to Poland in 2024, he extended a heartfelt welcome to me and my delegation. During that visit, we elevated our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Building on this strong foundation, our partnership has gained new momentum over the past two years,” he said.

The two leaders held bilateral talks and witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said both sides were working on agreements covering classified information, critical minerals, archives, culture, science and higher education.

George also highlighted the importance of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the EU's new strategic agenda, the security and defence partnership and the mobility framework in strengthening bilateral ties.

Bilateral trade currently stands at $6.3 billion, while Indian investment in Poland exceeds $3 billion, George said. Both countries aim to double trade by 2030, with a target of $10 billion.

Modi highlighted opportunities created by India's economic growth and the India-EU trade agreement. “Our growing economic strength has created new opportunities for the India-Poland partnership. And the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has made these opportunities even broader,” he said.

Both sides discussed cooperation in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and clean technology. Modi invited Polish companies to explore opportunities under the Make in India programme. They also stressed resilient supply chains, support for small businesses, innovation and digital transformation.

Tusk is scheduled to attend the India-Poland Business Forum in New Delhi before travelling to Bengaluru on October 23 for engagements with India's technology and space sectors. His business delegation includes representatives from defence, agritech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, infrastructure and renewable energy.

Modi recalled India's support for Polish families during the Second World War. “The friendship between India and Poland is not based merely on diplomatic relations, but on the shared heritage of humanity and empathy,” he said.

“During the Second World War, the royal families of Jamnagar and Kolhapur had provided shelter to thousands of Polish children and families in India,” Modi added.

Tusk also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Polish leader to discuss bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar wrote on X: “Pleased to call on Prime Minister Donald Tusk @donaldtuskof Poland. Appreciated his sharing thoughts on deepening India - Poland cooperation across a wide range of domains.”