Warsaw: India has extended its support to Poland’s efforts to secure permanent membership of the G20, adding a new dimension to the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for backing the country’s candidature.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, the United States, Sikorski said PM Modi had assured Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk of India’s support during his recent visit to New Delhi.
Sikorski said Poland greatly valued India’s backing and appreciated the positive relationship between the two countries. He also referred to his cordial ties with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and acknowledged India’s role in shaping the expansion of the G20.
US Also Proposes Poland’s Permanent Membership
Sikorski revealed that the United States had proposed Poland’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 and was seeking support from other countries. He said he was reaching out to representatives of India and other nations to build consensus around the proposal.
Highlighting India’s contribution to the G20, the Polish Foreign Minister recalled that during India’s presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the grouping. This marked the first formal expansion of G20 membership.
Modi-Tusk Meeting Strengthens Bilateral Ties
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited India from October 21 to 23. During his October 22 meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, investment, emerging technologies, renewable energy and education.
A business delegation representing nearly 100 Polish companies accompanied Tusk. India-Poland business forum meetings were organised in New Delhi and Bengaluru to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Poland Welcomes Progress on India-EU Trade Deal
Sikorski also welcomed the progress in negotiations on the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented soon, saying it could deliver significant economic and commercial benefits to both India and the European Union.
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