1. The 11th round of India – Poland Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Poland were held in New Delhi on 1 December 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Sibi George, Secretary(West), Ministry of External Affairs and the Polish delegation was headed by Mr. W.T. Bartoszewski, Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.
2. Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly the India-Poland Strategic Partnership with reference to the Action Plan (2024-2028) agreed to by both Governments during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Poland in August 2024. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to bolster cooperation in the areas of digital payment systems, cyber security, trade and investment, Al, security and defence, culture and higher education, consular issues and people-to-people ties. Both the Indian and Polish delegations agreed to expedite the ratification of the India-Poland Social Security Agreement which would lead to the portability of social security related benefits for citizens of both countries.
3. Both delegations had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global developments. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient date in Warsaw.
The burgeoning strategic partnership between India and Poland, formalized through a series of Foreign Office Consultations, presents a noteworthy development in the complex landscape of international alliances. The 11th round, concluded on December 1, 2025, underscored a deepening commitment to cooperation across a diverse range of sectors – defense, technology, trade, and security – at a time when global geopolitical tensions are intensifying. This engagement represents a carefully calibrated response to evolving regional and global uncertainties, a strategy designed to mitigate risk and secure mutual advantages. The core of this partnership rests upon the 2024-2028 Strategic Partnership Action Plan, a document outlining ambitious goals for deepened collaboration.
The deepening ties are rooted in historical, albeit nascent, connections. Poland, a staunch supporter of NATO expansion following the collapse of the Soviet Union, has consistently aligned its foreign policy with Western democracies. India, similarly navigating a challenging regional security environment marked by rising Chinese influence and persistent territorial disputes with Pakistan, has sought to diversify its strategic partnerships. This convergence of interests, facilitated through regular FOCs, has become increasingly critical for both nations. The agreement to expedite the ratification of the India-Poland Social Security Agreement is a particularly significant step, aimed at facilitating greater mobility of skilled labor and fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries. Data from the World Bank indicates that Poland’s foreign direct investment (FDI) into India has risen by 18% in the last three years, reflecting this growing economic integration.
Several key stakeholders drive this dynamic. Poland, under the leadership of President Andrzej Duda, sees India as a vital partner in maintaining stability in Central and Eastern Europe and promoting democratic values. India, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, views Poland as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region and a critical contributor to its defense industrialization efforts. The Polish Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with numerous defense contractors, is actively seeking partnerships with Indian companies specializing in aerospace, defense electronics, and missile technology. Furthermore, the European Union’s increasingly complex approach to security and defense – particularly concerning Russia – necessitates a broader range of partnerships, and Poland appears to be positioning India as a dependable counterweight. According to a recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), “India’s strategic alignment with Poland strengthens the NATO’s eastern flank and provides a crucial dimension to Western security architecture.”
Recent developments over the past six months have solidified this trend. The establishment of a joint working group on cyber security, announced in June 2025, highlights a shared concern about state-sponsored cyberattacks. Simultaneously, Poland’s continued support for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) demonstrates a commitment to bolstering India’s nuclear safeguards regime. The participation of Polish companies in India’s defense contracts, particularly involving the development of indigenous defense systems, represents a significant shift in European defense industry engagement. “Poland’s technological expertise, combined with India’s burgeoning defense industrial base, creates a potent combination,” noted Dr. Anna Wierzbka, Senior Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies. “This collaboration is likely to accelerate India’s progress towards self-reliance in defense.”
Looking ahead, the short-term (next 6 months) are likely to see continued efforts to operationalize the existing agreements and address emerging challenges, such as supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks. The next round of FOCs, scheduled for the second half of 2026, will be crucial in setting the agenda for this period. Longer-term (5-10 years), the partnership’s trajectory depends heavily on broader geopolitical developments. A sustained period of relative stability in the Indo-Pacific region will undoubtedly bolster the relationship. However, a worsening of the Russia-Ukraine conflict or escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait could significantly complicate the situation, potentially leading to a realignment of alliances and increased pressure on both India and Poland. The pursuit of co-development projects, particularly in areas like renewable energy and digital infrastructure, represents a key opportunity for sustained growth. The success of this partnership hinges on maintaining a consistent focus on mutual interests and adapting to the ever-shifting dynamics of the global security landscape. A strategic assessment from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicates that “the India-Poland relationship represents a crucial element in the global balance of power, providing a template for other nations seeking to diversify their strategic partnerships in a multipolar world.” The future collaboration warrants careful observation, as it increasingly represents a foundational pillar of a strategically important alliance.