External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday urged Poland to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and not support or fuel terrorist infrastructure in India’s neighbourhood. He made these remarks during a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, highlighting India’s long-standing concerns over cross-border terrorism and global responses to it.

In his opening remarks, EAM Jaishankar pointed out that Poland is well aware of the regional challenges faced by India. Addressing the Polish leader, he said, “Deputy Prime Minister, you are no stranger to our region and are more than familiar with the long-standing challenges of cross-border terrorism. I hope at this meeting, to discuss some of your recent travels to the region. Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood.”

Jaishankar stressed that while India and Poland share friendly and warm ties, such relationships require constant effort and dialogue. He noted that the meeting was taking place at a time when the world is experiencing significant global changes and uncertainties. According to him, it is important for countries from different regions to exchange perspectives and assessments.

He said, “Today, our conversation will naturally cover regional and global developments. In particular, an exchange of assessments on our respective neighbourhoods would be useful. You have been speaking about it publicly during your visit as well.”

The External Affairs Minister also reiterated India’s clear and consistent position on the Ukraine conflict. He strongly criticised what he called the “selective targeting” of India for its stance on the issue and described it as unfair. Referring to his earlier interactions with Polish leaders, he said, “In the recent past, both in New York last September and in Paris this January, I have candidly shared our views on the Ukraine conflict and its implications. While doing so, I have also repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified. I do so again today.”

Speaking about bilateral relations, Jaishankar said that ties between India and Poland have steadily progressed over the years. However, he added that these ties need continuous attention and nurturing. He highlighted the strong political engagement and growing people-to-people connections between the two countries.

“Our bilateral relationship has also progressed steadily, but nevertheless needs constant tending. India and Poland have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly ties. In recent years, it's been marked by high-level political exchanges and vibrant economic and people-to-people ties,” he said.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, during which bilateral relations were elevated to the status of a strategic partnership. This, he noted, marked a significant milestone in India-Poland relations.

On the economic front, Jaishankar pointed out that Poland is among India’s largest trading partners in Central Europe. He said that bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around $7 billion. He further added that Indian investments in Poland have crossed $3 billion and have generated several employment opportunities for Polish citizens.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar said that the two sides would review the Action Plan for 2024–28. He stated, “Today, Deputy Prime Minister, we would review the action plan 2024-28 through which we seek to realise the full potential of our strategic partnership. We will also discuss ways to take forward our cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security technologies and digital innovation.”

The meeting highlighted India’s firm stand on terrorism, its expectations from global partners, and the growing strategic and economic cooperation between India and Poland.