PM Modi Poland Visit: Ahead of his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India remained firm on its commitment to peace and diplomacy. Addressing an Indian community program at Warsaw in Poland, PM Modi again repeated, “This is not the era of war,” which clearly goes back to the rooting ethos of a country with a tradition of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. He referred to the historical legacy of India, starting with Lord Buddha’s message of peace. These comments of PM Modi reiterate the fact that India is a country which upholds permanent peace and a mediator in global conflicts.
Equidistance to Equal Closeness
While addressing the Indian community in Warsaw, PM Modi elaborated on the changing contours of India’s foreign policy from equidistant relations with every country to having equal proximity to all.
PM Modi said, “For decades, India had a policy to maintain distance from all the countries. However, the policy of today’s India is to have equal closeness with all countries. The India of today wants to connect with all. Today’s India talks about the development of all. Today’s India is with all and thinks about the interests of all.”
He added that the element of detachment in India’s approach has now been replaced by connectivity and cooperation. This strategic shift, therefore, shows the changing role of India on the world platform, where it wants to engage more and work together with nations across the globe.
Historic Visit to Ukraine and Strengthened Ties
This visit by PM Modi will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine‘s independence in 1991, after his engagement in Poland. PM Modi is slated to visit Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. This visit symbolizes the deepening relationship between India and Ukraine and bringing out that India does stand for peace globally and is ready to strengthen its ties with this region through diplomacy. “We are proud that today, world respects India as ‘Vishwabandhu’. You also feel the same here. My information is correct, right? PM Modi asked the crowd. The audience responded yes.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers and Gratitude towards Global Contributions
PM Modi visited the Monte Cassino Memorial and paid homage to the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who served during World War II. PM Modi lauded Indians across the globe for their contributions in entrepreneurship, caregiving, or service sectors. PM Modi stated, “Today itself I got the opportunity to pay tribute at Monte Cassino Memorial. This memorial reminds us of the sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers. This is proof of how Indians have performed their duty in every corner of the world.” He brought out how empathetic Indians are by citing India’s immense help to more than 150 countries during the pandemic as a reflection of humanitarian values.
Support to Indian Students and Polish Hospitality
PM Modi thanked the Indian community in Poland for extending support to Indian students trapped in Ukraine due to the conflict. He also thanked the move of the Polish government; the visa restrictions at both countries were removed in order to safely evacuate the students. This move by the Indian community and Poland expresses a feeling of bonding and oneness between the two nations.
Celebrating India’s Democratic Strength
PM Modi drew on the recent elections in India to underline the strength and dynamism of Indian democracy. He drew a parallel between the magnitude of elections in India with those of other democracies, underlining massive participation and a professionally managed electoral process. PM Modi’s remarks brought notice to India’s commitment to democratic values and the capacity to hold such vast elections with integrity.
Recalling Historical Ties with Poland
PM Modi recalled the gesture of then Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, who turned host to Polish women and children during World War II. That act of chivalry has been kept alive in the memory of Poland, where this prince is still remembered as the ‘Good Maharaja’. PM Modi’s reminiscences strengthen cultural and historical bonds between the two countries—India and Poland.
Indian Global Identity and Values
He said in the address that India’s international identity rested on the firm base of timeless values and humanitarian spirit. Modi mentioned how India had given asylum to those in distress, remained steadfast in providing support—only to bring out how India felt for its global brethren with a sense of solidarity and compassion. PM Modi’s visit and speeches equally bring out the way India is evolving as an international player that will be driven essentially by the basic values of peace, empathy, and engagement.
