The recent news highlights the cordial relationship and interactions between India and Poland. The Prime Minister of India has been invited for a visit to Poland following his trip to Portugal for the European Union-India summit in May 2021, and the G7 grouping in Cornwall, United Kingdom, where India is a special invitee in June 2021. In addition, Poland and India are in talks to create a travel bubble to reinitiate direct flights that were halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A travel bubble would restore trade ties and enable both countries to bounce back in terms of travel and tourism.
Historical Background of Indian-Polish Relations
The diplomatic relations between India and Poland were established in 1954. The opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957 further solidified the tie between the two nations. They shared common ideological perceptions, with an opposition to colonialism, imperialism, and racism forming the bedrock of their relationship. Even during Poland’s communist era from 1944 to 1989, the countries maintained strong ties, marked by regular high-level visits and planned state trading organization-led economic interactions. The relationship remained robust even after Poland transitioned to democracy in 1989.
Economic and Commercial Engagement
Poland is India’s largest trade partner in the Central European region. Over the last decade, bilateral trade between the two countries has multiplied almost seven times. As per Indian statistics, the total value of bilateral trade was $2.36 billion in 2019. India’s exports to Poland accounted for 0.48% of its overall exports, while only 0.15% of India’s imports were covered by Poland in the same year.
Investments and Foreign Direct Investment
Indian investments in Poland are valued at over $3 billion. On the other hand, Polish investments in India total approximately $672 million. The recorded Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Poland to India, from April 2000 to March 2019, surpassed $672 million, making up 0.16% of India’s total FDI inflows during this period.
Collaboration across Various Sectors
Both nations have collaborated across multiple sectors including agro and food processing, information technology, textiles, mining and energy, and pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Indian IT companies employing more than 10,000 professionals are currently operational in Poland and control their European operations from there. Furthermore, given the 25% growth in the Polish pharma market over the past 5 years, there are promising opportunities for Indian investors and exporters.
Cultural and Educational Relations
Poland has a deep-seated tradition of Indology studies. Notable events include the organization of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019 by a Polish mission and the issue of a Commemorative Stamp on his Birth Anniversary by Poczta Polska, the Polish Post. They also jointly organized functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland for the 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
Indian Community in Poland
There is a sizeable Indian community in Poland, estimated to be about 10,000. Comprising traders dealing in textiles, garments, and electronics, professionals with multinational or Indian companies, software/IT experts, and a growing number of Indian students, the community thrives in the country, keeping the Indian culture alive in this Central European nation.