Time to build regional security

India’s strategic vision today extends well beyond South Asia. New Delhi recognises that stability in Europe and Eurasia directly influences the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. As NATO’s eastern anchor, Poland offers India lessons, opportunities, and a channel into European security debates.

- Piotr Opalinski

Although the Polish-Indian dialogue on defence is still developing, it has great potential. For India, closer cooperation with Warsaw is not only about bilateral ties but about strengthening its influence in Europe, where decisions increasingly affect the Indo-Pacific as well.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Warsaw has taken on responsibilities far beyond its size in NATO. Defence spending has surged to over 4% of GDP, the highest share in NATO, and the armed forces are undergoing rapid modernisation with American HIMARS, Abrams tanks, F-35 jets, as well as South Korean K2 tanks and K9 howitzers.

For India, this is notable in two respects. First, it shows how a mid-sized state can quickly reshape its military posture in response to existential threats — an experience India can relate to. Second, Poland’s strong voice within NATO ensures that deterrence against Russia remains central to the Alliance’s strategy, stabilising Europe and freeing up American resources for the Indo-Pacific. A secure Europe creates opportunities for deeper India-Europe cooperation in defence production and logistics.