New Delhi, India — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday called on Poland to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism and cautioned against actions that could fuel terrorist infrastructure in India’s neighborhood, while also pushing back against what he described as the “selective targeting” of New Delhi on global issues.
Speaking in his opening remarks during talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India continues to face long-standing challenges from cross-border terrorism and stressed the need for clarity and consistency from international partners.
“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,” he said.
Jaishankar said the meeting was taking place at a time of significant global uncertainty and emphasized the value of exchanging perspectives between India and Poland, two countries located in different regions with distinct challenges and opportunities.
“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,” he said.
Referring to India’s position on the war in Ukraine, Jaishankar reiterated that New Delhi has been unfairly singled out for criticism. “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,” he added.
The external affairs minister said relations between India and Poland have advanced steadily but require continued attention. “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.
Jaishankar pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. He noted that Poland is among India’s largest trading partners in Central Europe, with bilateral trade estimated at about $7 billion.
He also said Indian investment in Poland has crossed $3 billion, generating employment opportunities for Polish workers.
“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,” Jaishankar said. (Source: IANS)
