Poland wants to deepen defense industry cooperation with India, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in late August 2024, as Warsaw seeks to benefit from New Delhi’s drive to modernize its Armed Forces and diversify from Russian arms suppliers.
The comments came as Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Warsaw in 45 years.
“It is no coincidence that we talked about intensification in terms of the defense industry,” Tusk said at a joint news conference. “We are ready as Poland to take part in the modernization of military equipment.”
New Delhi historically has relied heavily on Moscow for defense equipment but in recent years has diversified its suppliers, a process that has intensified since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
A Polish official said India has lots of Soviet-era equipment, such as T-72 tanks, that Poland can repair or refit, creating an opportunity for cooperation.
India recently reopened the defense wing at its embassy in Warsaw.
Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters since Russia’s invasion, while India has remained neutral. Modi, whose visit to Poland came ahead of his trip to Ukraine, said India is willing to help end the conflict.
“India firmly believes that no issue can be solved on a battlefield,” he said. “We support dialogue and diplomacy for the quick restoration of peace.”
Tusk praised Modi’s engagement and said he was convinced that India can play a positive role.
