India on Monday (January 19, 2026) urged Poland to follow a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy against terrorism and to avoid actions that could “fuel the terrorist infrastructure” in the South Asian neighbourhood.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in his meeting with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, voiced the nation’s long-standing concerns on cross-border terrorism, and told his counterpart: “You are no stranger to our region and are certainly familiar with the long-standing challenge of cross-border terrorism.”
What was the reference to Jaishankar’s remarks on terrorism?
Jaishankar’s remarks were in reference to the Kashmir reference in the Poland-Pakistan joint statement after Sikorski’s visit to Islamabad in October 2025, a position that went against India’s stand on Kashmir being an integral part of its territory.
“Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood,” the Indian external affairs minister said in his opening remarks during talks with Sikorski.
What was India’s message to Poland on its Russian oil purchases?
Jaishankar also expressed criticism of the “selective targeting” of New Delhi by European capitals over its Russian oil purchases. “In the recent past, both in New York and in Paris, I have candidly shared with you our views. I have repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified. I do so again today,” he added.
Agreeing with Jaishankar, Sikorski, in his remarks, acknowledged the “unfairness” of “selective targeting” of India on its energy ties with Russia, particularly over the tariff measures and continued criticism of India-Russia ties.
How did Sirkorski respond to India’s terrorism concerns?
Sikorski said Poland too had faced terror threats recently. “I completely agree with you on the need to counter transnational trans border terrorism. Poland, as you may have heard, has been a victim of arsons and attempted, state terrorism when a Polish railway line was, blown up under a moving train just very recently,” he said.
Sikorski was on a three-day visit to India, just ahead of the European Union’s top leadership, who would be at India’s Republic Day celebrations later this month.
Is there a context to Sikorski’s India visit?
Jaishankar told his Polish counterpart that their meeting was taking place at a time when the world was witnessing a considerable churn. “Our bilateral relationship has progressed steadily, but needs constant tending,” he said.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, when the bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership, the Indian minister said he discussed cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, clean technologies, and digital innovation with his counterpart during their bilateral meeting.
How is Poland the largest trade partner?
“Poland is one of India’s largest trading partners in Central Europe,” he mentioned. “Our bilateral trade stands at about USD 7 billion, having grown by almost 200 per cent over the past decade,” he added. Indian investment in Poland has crossed USD 3 billion, generating significant employment there.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Today’s meeting with DPM & FM @sikorskiradek of Poland provided an opportunity for an open conversation on our bilateral ties and global developments.”
What is the future of India-Poland ties?
Expressing appreciation for Poland’s support for India’s closer EU engagement, the Indian minister underlined the importance of exchanging perspectives amid evolving global developments.
“It is obviously useful to exchange views and perspectives. Our bilateral relationship has also progressed steadily but needs constant tending,” he said.
The two sides also reviewed the Action Plan 2024-28 through which the nations seek to realise the full potential of their strategic partnership.