PM Modi highlights India’s commitment to peace, strengthening ties with Poland and youth exchange initiative
- In Reports
- 06:01 PM, Aug 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic three-day visit to Poland and Ukraine on 21st August, marking a significant diplomatic move. This visit to Poland is particularly notable as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years, following Morarji Desai's visit to Warsaw in 1979.
The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland, highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations.
During his address to the Indian community in Warsaw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the strong ties between India and Poland and the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening these bonds. He reiterated India’s commitment to global harmony by referencing the theme of the G20 summit, where India called for "One Earth, One Family, and One Future." This reflects India's ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which envisions the world as one family. Modi reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to peace, stating that India has always advocated for peaceful resolutions in regional and global conflicts. He emphasised that this is "not an era of war" and called for lasting peace in the region, reflecting India’s long-standing diplomatic stance.
A key highlight of his speech was the announcement of a new social security agreement between India and Poland. This agreement is set to benefit the Indian diaspora in Poland, providing them with better social security protections and enhancing their quality of life. Modi praised the Indian community for their resilience and contributions, especially during challenging times like the Ukraine crisis, and expressed gratitude to the Polish government for their support, including easing visa restrictions for Indian nationals.
Without directly mentioning the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and diplomacy, emphasising India’s consistent stance of advocating for peace in any conflict. He recalled India’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country provided medicines and vaccines to over 150 nations, underscoring India's "humanity first" approach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, emphasising the growing partnership between India and Poland across various sectors. He urged the diaspora to become brand ambassadors of India, promoting the nation’s rich culture, values, and advancements globally.
PM Modi expressed his admiration for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, recalling their past interactions when Tusk was the President of the European Council. He described Tusk as a "good friend" of India, highlighting the warm relations between the two leaders.
Modi outlined India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing initiatives such as the promotion of ethanol-blended petrol and the rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales in India. He emphasised India’s ambition to become a major hub for green hydrogen and noted the collaboration between India and Poland in these sectors.
In his speech, PM Modi also showcased India’s progress in various fields, including healthcare, technology, and space exploration. He spoke of India’s plans to upskill its youth and its commitment to becoming a quality healthcare provider. He proudly mentioned the upcoming mission to send Indian astronauts into space aboard the "Made in India" Gaganyaan.
Highlighting India's technological advancements, Modi pointed out India’s achievements in areas like green hydrogen, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. He mentioned the successful launch of 100 satellites in a single flight and the upcoming anniversary of Chandrayaan’s landing on the Moon’s south pole. Additionally, he discussed the extensive development of digital infrastructure in India, including the laying of 7 lakh kilometres of optical fibre cable and the rapid rollout of 5G services.
Modi noted India’s significant strides in poverty alleviation, claiming that the number of people lifted out of poverty in India surpasses the combined populations of the UK, Germany, and France. He also mentioned the widespread adoption of Jan Dhan accounts in India, which exceeds the population of the European Union.
In a lighter moment, PM Modi praised Poland's adoption of the Indian sport of Kabaddi, noting that Poland won the European Championships in 2019. He also highlighted historical ties between India and Poland, such as the Kolhapur royal family’s sheltering of Polish refugees during World War II.
Modi announced that under a new initiative, 20 Polish youth would be invited to visit India, further strengthening the cultural and educational ties between the two nations. He lauded the Indian community for their support to Indian students during the Ukraine crisis and thanked the Polish government for their assistance in easing visa restrictions for Indian nationals.
In terms of economic growth, PM Modi cited estimates from NASSCOM, which project that India's robust digital infrastructure will help it become a trillion-dollar economy by the end of this decade. He also mentioned the anticipated growth of India's AI market, which is expected to expand by 30% annually over the next few years. To support this growth, India is actively working on several key initiatives, including the Semiconductor Mission, Deep Ocean Mission, National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Quantum Mission, and AI Mission.
Modi concluded his address by reaffirming India's commitment to becoming a developed nation and a global leader in innovation, technology, and sustainable development. He affirmed India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047, with a strong focus on sustainable development. Green mobility, he said, is a prime example of India’s 360-degree approach to securing a green future.
Image source: Reuters
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