STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC TIES: THE EVOLUTION OF INDIA-POLAND DEFENCE COOPERATION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between India and Poland.

- RAHUL WANKHEDE

This visit highlights the growing importance of bilateral ties, especially in the defence and strategic sector.

Historically, India and Poland have maintained a robust relationship, particularly in military technology and equipment, but recent years have seen a renewed focus on deepening this partnership. Historically tied through their mutual connections with the Soviet Union, both nations have evolved their defence strategies post-Cold War, increasingly aligning with Western nations. Today, Poland's strategic location in Europe and its advanced defence capabilities offer India a valuable partner as both countries seek to expand their influence and enhance their military capabilities in a rapidly changing global landscape.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

During the Cold War, both the countries were dependent on the Soviet Union for military aid and other assistance. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, they took pragmatic decisions to move closer to the western countries, especially the USA. Since the end of the Cold War, India has viewed Poland as a stepping-stone to the European Union and other nations in the Baltic region. Poland's economic and technological progress coupled with its strategic location offers India an excellent opportunity in the industrial and military domain.

In the 1970s, Polish soldiers served together with soldiers from India and Canada in the International Commission for Supervision and Control (ICSC) in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (1954-1975). In the early decades of the 21st century, by the decision of the President of Poland, dated 17 March 2003, Polish forces also participated in the "coalition of the willing" led by the United States to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Though India had refused to join this multination initiative, it reflected Poland's desire to move out of its geography and engage in the Indian Ocean Region.