India Poland ties are gaining momentum as Warsaw backs New Delhi’s fight against terrorism while acknowledging India’s historic relationship with Russia. Defence cooperation, technology, trade and the India-EU FTA are emerging as key areas in the expanding strategic partnership.
Poland terror support strengthens India ties
Poland has voiced strong support for India’s right to act against terrorism, reinforcing a growing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Warsaw. Piotr Antoni Świtalski, Poland’s head of mission in New Delhi, said there was no disagreement between the two countries on terrorism and that Poland understood India’s security concerns. Poland’s official embassy website currently identifies Świtalski as chargé d’affaires and head of mission rather than ambassador.
Speaking at a policy event, Świtalski said Poland understood why India maintains close ties with Russia, noting the Soviet Union’s historic support for India during past conflicts. At the same time, he stressed that Warsaw views Russia very differently because of its security concerns in Europe.
The contrast highlights one of the most sensitive parts of India-Poland diplomacy: Warsaw sees Moscow as a direct strategic threat, while India continues to maintain defence, energy and diplomatic links with Russia.
Defence cooperation gains fresh momentum
Despite those differences, defence cooperation between India and Poland has expanded. Świtalski said Polish-origin drones were used by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor, describing the development as evidence of growing defence links. Earlier reporting also recorded his assertion that Poland stood with India on terrorism and that the two countries had no fundamental disagreement on the issue.
The relationship has a longer military history as well. Poland has previously supplied and supported defence equipment used by India, and both governments now see opportunities in maintenance, manufacturing and modernisation.
India and Poland formally elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw in August 2024. The two governments also adopted an Action Plan for 2024-2028 covering political dialogue, defence, trade, technology and people-to-people cooperation.
India Russia ties remain a difficult issue
Polish officials have repeatedly acknowledged that India’s relationship with Russia cannot be viewed through the same lens as Poland’s. India’s defence inventory, energy requirements and historic diplomatic ties continue to shape its approach to Moscow.
For Polish businesses, however, those links can raise questions about technology transfers and strategic dependence. Świtalski said some Polish companies remain cautious about sharing sensitive technology when Indian firms maintain connections with Russian systems or suppliers.
That does not appear to have halted bilateral engagement. Instead, both sides are trying to separate areas of disagreement from sectors where cooperation can move ahead.
India EU FTA could boost trade
Economic ties may receive a major boost from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations were formally concluded on January 27, 2026, and the agreement is now going through legal and institutional procedures before signature and entry into force.
Current expectations are for the agreement to be signed by the end of 2026, with implementation more likely in early 2027 rather than becoming fully operational this year. EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin has said legal vetting is nearing completion and that entry into force would follow the required European and Indian procedures.
Political dialogue moves forward
The India-Poland relationship has already gained political weight since Modi’s 2024 Warsaw visit, when both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, clean technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and investment.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk last visited India as prime minister in 2010, while recent high-level exchanges have continued through ministers and diplomats. Poland’s official bilateral overview notes that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski visited India in 2026, focusing on security, economic and technological cooperation.
The broader direction is clear: India and Poland are trying to build a practical strategic partnership without pretending they agree on Russia. Terrorism, defence technology, trade and the India-EU agreement offer areas where cooperation can advance even as geopolitical differences remain.
