Sansad TV Special: PM Modi's Historic Visit to Poland & Ukraine | 04 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Ukraine and Poland.

• It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and the first to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

What are the Key Highlights of the Visit to Poland & Ukraine?

• India-Poland:
  • Enhanced Bilateral Ties: As India and Poland celebrated the 70^th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the two nations have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership," reflecting their strong connections and mutual dedication to deepening cooperation.
    • With the elevation of bilateral relations to strategic partnership both countries can collaborate in fields like, food processing, science and technology, defense and security, e-vehicle, artificial intelligence(AI), green energy, cultural cooperation.
  • Expanding European Ties: By visiting Poland, India emphasizes the importance of strengthening relationships with European nations beyond the traditional partners like Germany, France, and Britain.
    • As a rising economy in Central Europe, Poland offers significant opportunities for India in trade, investment, and technology, potentially opening new avenues for economic collaboration and correcting previously imbalanced trade relations.
  • Five-Year Action Plan: To build on this Strategic Partnership, they have decided to implement a Five-Year Action Plan for 2024-2028, focusing on key areas of collaboration:
    • Political Dialogue and Security: Establishing regular high-level contacts, annual political dialogues, and security consultations.
    • Trade and Investment: Aiming to balance trade, explore high-tech and green technology opportunities, and boost economic security.
      • They will use the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) to address trade imbalances and broaden trade areas.
    • Climate and Technology: Collaborating on sustainable technology,clean energy, and space exploration.
    • Transport and Connectivity: Improving transport infrastructure and increasing flight connectivity.
    • Counter-Terrorism: Reaffirming their commitment to fighting terrorism, terror-financing and advocating for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
    • India-EU Relations: Supporting the conclusion of India-EU trade and investment negotiations, the activation of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), and the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership to enhance the strategic partnership in trade, technology, and security.
    • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Enhancing cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism.
      • Both sides agreed to work on an agreement between the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and respective Indian agencies on teaching Polish language at various universities in India.
      • India announced the Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Program, inviting 20 Polish youth to India annually to strengthen ties.
• India-Ukraine:
  • Clarification on Russia-Ukraine War: India’s Prime Minister emphasized that India has consistently supported peace and has never been neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India seeks genuine engagement among all parties for a practical resolution.
  • Formation of Intergovernmental Commission: An Intergovernmental Commission has been set up between India and Ukraine to restore and enhance bilateral trade and economic relations to pre-conflict levels, with bilateral trade reaching USD 3.386 billion in 2021-22.
  • Signing of Agreements: Four key agreements were signed covering agriculture, the food industry, medical product regulation, and cultural cooperation. These agreements aim to boost cooperation in these areas and strengthen ties between the nations.
  • BHISHM Cubes Gifted: India gifted four Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes to Ukraine, designed to provide emergency medical care through mobile hospitals as part of Project Aarogya Maitri.
  • International Participation: Ukrainian participation in events like the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 and the Raisina Dialogue 2024 was appreciated.
  • International Law: Both leaders committed to upholding international law, including respect for sovereignty. They agreed on the need for more bilateral dialogue.
  • Peace Summit: India’s role in the Path to Peace Summit 2024 was welcomed by Ukraine, and the Joint Communiqué on Peace was seen as a basis for future efforts.
  • Food Security: They highlighted the importance of global food security and the uninterrupted supply of agricultural products, especially to Asia and Africa.
  • Broadening Cooperation: Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology, and explored new partnerships in green energy and manufacturing.
  • IGC: The Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Industrial and Cultural Cooperation (IGC) was highlighted for strengthening economic ties. Recent reviews and upcoming sessions were appreciated.
  • Defense Cooperation: Both sides agreed to strengthen defense ties through joint projects and partnerships, planning the 2^nd meeting of the Joint Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation.
  • Previous Defence Collaborations:
    • Soviet-Era Equipment: India retains a significant inventory of Soviet-era defense equipment, including gas turbine engines for Indian Navy warships and AN-32 aircraft used by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    • Indian Air Force: In June 2009, India secured a USD 400 million deal with Ukraine's SpetsTechnoExport (STE) to upgrade its 105 AN-32 aircraft, extending their lifespan by 40 years and enhancing their avionics.
    • Indian Navy: Ukraine provides essential components for building two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates at Goa Shipyard Limited. Over 30 Indian warships rely on engines from Ukraine's Zorya Mashproekt.
    • Defence Trade: Following the Balakot airstrike in 2019, the IAF urgently acquired R-27 air-to-air missiles from Ukraine for its SU-30MKI fighters. Also, at Aero India 2021, Ukraine signed agreements worth USD 70 million for new weapons and maintenance of existing Indian military equipment.
  • Cultural Exchange: They welcomed the completion of the Cultural Cooperation Programme and planned cultural festivals in both countries, emphasizing people-to-people exchanges.

What are the Challenges of India-Poland & India-Ukraine Relations?

• India-Poland:
  • Limited Economic Engagement: Despite potential, bilateral trade remains relatively low. The lack of direct air connectivity and limited awareness of market opportunities in both countries hinder stronger economic ties.
  • Geopolitical Considerations: Poland's commitments to EU and NATO sometimes conflict with India's independent foreign policy stance, particularly regarding relations with Russia. This can create diplomatic tensions.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Significant cultural differences and language barriers pose challenges for business interactions and people-to-people exchanges. There's limited understanding of each other's cultures and business practices.
• India- Ukraine:
  • Russia-Ukraine War: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has strained India’s relations with Ukraine and its Western allies.
    • India has maintained a neutral position on Russia's invasion, avoiding direct condemnation while advocating for diplomacy.
  • Sanctions and Trade: India has opted not to join Western sanctions against Russia and has increased its purchase of discounted Russian fuel.
    • It has also largely abstained from UN resolutions condemning Russia's actions.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: The conflict has disrupted supply chains for essential defense equipment.
    • For instance, the upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft has been delayed due to impacts on Ukrainian factories. Additionally, Russia has postponed the delivery of two S-400 air defense squadrons to India until August 2026.
  • Kashmir Issue:
    • Ukraine's comments on Kashmir have created tension. In 2019, Ukraine expressed concerns over the revocation of Article 370 by India, which India perceived as interference in its internal affairs.
  • Diplomatic Tensions:
    • Divergent foreign policy priorities, notably India's strategic partnership with Russia versus Ukraine's opposition to Russian actions, have complicated diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Way Forward

• Balanced Stance: India should navigate its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict carefully, balancing its strategic relationship with Russia while showing concern for Ukraine's sovereignty.
• Strategic Autonomy: Emphasizing strategic autonomy and non-alignment can help India avoid entanglement in geopolitical conflicts that do not align with its national interests.
• Humanitarian Support: Enhancing relations with Ukraine through humanitarian aid, such as medical support and reconstruction assistance, could strengthen ties.
• Mediation Efforts: India could explore opportunities to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, leveraging its positive relations with both countries to aid in conflict resolution.
• Global South Solidarity: Engaging with Global South nations to form a coalition promoting peace and development could bolster India’s position in addressing conflicts like that in Ukraine.
• Enhanced Cooperation: India and Poland can enhance collaboration in several key areas, including food processing, electric vehicles, green energy, and cultural cooperation.
• Strategic Partnership: Deepen defense cooperation through joint military exercises and technology transfers with Poland. Align positions on global challenges like terrorism and UN reforms to strengthen the partnership on the world stage.
• Geopolitical Synergies: Leverage Poland's EU membership for India's European outreach, while India can offer Poland expanded access to its market. Align foreign policy objectives in international forums and collaborate on shared interests like energy security.