Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, with trade, defence and the war in Ukraine topping the agenda. The two leaders will use the high‑level dialogue to accelerate a goal of doubling the current $6 billion bilateral trade volume, tighten security cooperation, and coordinate positions on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trade ambitions and EU‑India free‑trade pact
India and Poland are aiming to double their trade, which stands at roughly $6 billion, before the end of the decade. The push comes as the India‑European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is slated for signing on Dec. 16, when Mr. Modi is expected to travel to Brussels for the India‑EU Summit. Officials say the forthcoming FTA, which will take effect sometime in 2027, should lower tariffs and open new opportunities for food‑processing and apple‑supply chains. However, dairy and meat products – accounting for about a quarter of Poland’s agricultural exports – will remain outside the agreement.
Accompanying Mr. Tusk is Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domanski and a sizeable business delegation. The delegation, estimated at about 100 companies, will participate in India‑Poland business forums in Delhi and Bengaluru. Among the participants are defence manufacturers, renewable‑energy technology firms, and companies interested in recycling lithium‑ion batteries, as well as projects linked to green hydrogen and ammonia. The business forums are intended to broaden investment and collaboration, especially in sectors that align with India’s green‑transformation agenda.
Defence cooperation amid Russian concerns
Defence ties will feature prominently in the talks. A joint working group on defence convened in Warsaw in September to finalise a series of agreements slated for discussion with the Indian side. One key element is a “confidentiality agreement on classified information” that Poland hopes will shield its defence industry from potential Russian espionage. Sources said the agreement will address sensitivities of Polish defence firms worried about technology leakages to Russia and will impose stricter scrutiny on dual‑use items.
Poland’s interest in insulating its defence partnership from Russian influence reflects broader geopolitical calculations. While the two nations seek deeper cooperation in emerging technologies, renewable energy and other strategic areas, they are also keen to ensure that joint projects do not inadvertently aid Russian capabilities.
Ukraine conflict and broader strategic dialogue
Beyond trade and defence, the war in Ukraine will be a central topic. New Delhi has positioned itself as a potential mediator, conveying messages between Kyiv and Moscow on issues such as Black Sea grain exports and the safety of mariners who have faced attacks during the conflict. Mr. Modi and Mr. Tusk are expected to discuss these diplomatic initiatives.
During a September visit to Warsaw, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlined additional agreements under negotiation, covering cybersecurity, space cooperation between state agencies, information technology, critical minerals and clean‑energy projects. When questioned about India’s record imports of Russian oil, Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that ending the war would depend on diplomacy, not on the purchase of oil, aluminium, fertilizers, metals or minerals.
Both sides also noted that the India‑Poland strategic partnership extends to education, culture and people‑to‑people ties, as highlighted by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry said the visit would deepen the India‑EU strategic partnership ahead of the December FTA signing.
Following the Delhi meeting, Mr. Tusk will travel to Bengaluru on Friday, Oct. 23, to continue discussions with Indian business leaders. The two leaders are expected to meet again later in the year, and Poland has been invited as a special guest by U.S. President Donald Trump to the G‑20 Summit in Florida on Dec. 14‑15.
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