India–Poland relations
Encyclopedia
Indo-Polish relations refers to the bilateral
relations
between Republic of Poland and the Republic of India. Historically, relations have generally been close and friendly, characterized by understanding and cooperation on international front.
, philosophy
, spiritual traditions, art and culture of India
. During the 19th century, several Sanskrit
classics were translated into Polish and a "History of Ancient India" in Polish was one of the first of its kind to be published in Europe
. A Chair of Sanskrit was set up at the Jagiellonian University
of Krakow
in 1893. Studies and research in Indian languages and literature had developed at the Universities of Krakow, Warsaw
, Wroclaw
and Poznan
. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Polish painter Norblin
was commissioned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur to decorate the Umaid Bhavan Palace
.
During World War II
, the then Jam Sahib of Jamnagar
had extended hospitality to some 5,000 Polish orphans deported from Siberia
. These children, who lived in camps in a number of places in western India, including Balachandi (near Jamnagar), Valivade (near Kolhapur) and Panchgani
. Mahatma Gandhi
and Jawaharlal Nehru
were known to be vocal supporters of Polish struggle against Occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany.
was opened in 1957. During the Cold War
, both Warsaw and New Delhi
had close ties with the Soviet Union
and this made them natural friends. After the Collapse of Soviet Union, both countries have focused on improving ties with the European Union and America. Even after 1989
relations with India have maintained continuity and have remained on an even keel reflecting relations with India were not an adjunct of the Cold War and are based on sound principles. Contacts between the Indian and Polish Parliaments were established after the overthrow of the Communist system in 1989. A Polish parliamentary delegation led by the Marshal of the Sejm, had visited India in December 1992. A Polish-Indian Parliamentary Group had been set up during the term of the last Parliament which held office from 1996 to 2001. Speaker of Lok Sabha
, Manohar Joshi
led a multi-party Parliamentary delegation to Poland from 22-26 May 2002. Also Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Jozef Oleksy
, led a Polish parliamentary delegation to India from 9-11 December 2004. In April 2009 Indian President
Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited Poland. In September 2010 Polish leader Donald Tusk visited India and met with Indian politicians and businessmen.
, Coffee
, Spices, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, machinery and instruments, auto parts and surgical items. India's imports from Poland include Machinery except electric and electronic appliances, artificial resins, plastic
material, non-ferrous metals and machine tools. Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) has sent several delegations to Poland to explore economic opportunities in various sectors. Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services
, Wipro Technologies, ZenSar and Videocon
have already set up their bases in Poland. Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) was formed in 2008 to protect and represent the interests within the range of economic activity and to promote economic relations between India and Poland. Poland has also shown interest to establish direct flights between the two countries by 2009.
Both countries have long-standing history of cooperation in science and technology. The first Indo-Polish Agreement on this cooperation was signed in March 1974; subsequently, a new agreement with more focus Programmes of Cooperation (POC) in science and technology were signed between the two countries from time to time. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian National Science Academy
(INSA) have ongoing scientific exchange programs with the Polish Academy of Sciences
(PAN).
to India. India awarded contracts worth US $ 600 million to Poland for modernization of tanks and the acquisition of air defence missiles. The T-72 tank with 800 horsepower
engines were fitted with 1000 hp engine and also fitted with modern fire control systems and night vision
equipments. Both India and Poland are considering privatization of their defense industries and see good prospects for mutual investments. Indian Army
chief General Deepak Kapoor
visited Warsaw in March 2008 followed by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ryszard Schnepf
in June the same year. India also acquired 625 assault parachute
s from the Polish company Air-Pol with automatic devices ensuring their reliable opening, with a total value of US $1.5 million. India's growing defense buy-outs from Poland has disappointed Russia
which had considered India as safe market for its military hardware. Poland also delivered a batch of 80 WZT-3 ARVs to the Indian Army in 2001 for use in Kolar
gold field facility in Karnataka
and next in 2004. The final batch of 40 WZT-3 ARVs were assembled in India from kits supplied from Poland.
Bilateralism
Bilateralism consists of the political, economic, or cultural relations between two sovereign states. For example, free trade agreements signed by two states are examples of bilateral treaties. It is in contrast to unilateralism or multilateralism, which refers to the conduct of diplomacy by a...
relations
International relations
International relations is the study of relationships between countries, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations , international nongovernmental organizations , non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations...
between Republic of Poland and the Republic of India. Historically, relations have generally been close and friendly, characterized by understanding and cooperation on international front.
Historical background
During the 15th century, a number of Polish writers, soldiers and missionaries visited India and fostered the abiding interest of the Polish people in the civilizationCivilization
Civilization is a sometimes controversial term that has been used in several related ways. Primarily, the term has been used to refer to the material and instrumental side of human cultures that are complex in terms of technology, science, and division of labor. Such civilizations are generally...
, philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, spiritual traditions, art and culture of India
Culture of India
India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality....
. During the 19th century, several Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
classics were translated into Polish and a "History of Ancient India" in Polish was one of the first of its kind to be published in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. A Chair of Sanskrit was set up at the Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....
of Krakow
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
in 1893. Studies and research in Indian languages and literature had developed at the Universities of Krakow, Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
, Wroclaw
Wroclaw
Wrocław , situated on the River Oder , is the main city of southwestern Poland.Wrocław was the historical capital of Silesia and is today the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Over the centuries, the city has been part of either Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, or Germany, but since 1945...
and Poznan
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Polish painter Norblin
Norblin
Norblin can refer to:*Andrew Norblin, musician , 20th century*Jan Piotr Norblin , a French-Polish painter, 1740-1830*Louis Norblin, musician, 1781-1854...
was commissioned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur to decorate the Umaid Bhavan Palace
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels...
.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the then Jam Sahib of Jamnagar
Jamnagar
Jamnagar is a city and a municipal corporation in Jamnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city was built up substantially by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji in the 1920s, when the district was known as Nawanagar. The district lies just to the south of the Gulf of Kutch and is...
had extended hospitality to some 5,000 Polish orphans deported from Siberia
Siberia
Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. Comprising the central and eastern portion of the Russian Federation, it was part of the Soviet Union from its beginning, as its predecessor states, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, conquered it during the 16th...
. These children, who lived in camps in a number of places in western India, including Balachandi (near Jamnagar), Valivade (near Kolhapur) and Panchgani
Panchgani
Pānchgani is a town and municipal council in Sātārā district in Mahārāshtra, India .-History:Scenic Panchgani was discovered by the British during the British Raj as a summer resort, and a superintendent named John Chesson was placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s...
. Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , pronounced . 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement...
and Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...
were known to be vocal supporters of Polish struggle against Occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany.
Diplomatic relations
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1954 and the Indian Embassy in WarsawWarsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
was opened in 1957. During the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
, both Warsaw and New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
had close ties with the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
and this made them natural friends. After the Collapse of Soviet Union, both countries have focused on improving ties with the European Union and America. Even after 1989
History of Poland (1989–present)
In 1989-1991, Poland engaged in a democratic transition which put an end to the Polish People's Republic and led to a democratic regime, called Polish Third Republic...
relations with India have maintained continuity and have remained on an even keel reflecting relations with India were not an adjunct of the Cold War and are based on sound principles. Contacts between the Indian and Polish Parliaments were established after the overthrow of the Communist system in 1989. A Polish parliamentary delegation led by the Marshal of the Sejm, had visited India in December 1992. A Polish-Indian Parliamentary Group had been set up during the term of the last Parliament which held office from 1996 to 2001. Speaker of Lok Sabha
Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the lower house of Parliament of India. His/her role is similar to that of Speakers elsewhere in other countries that use the Westminster system of government....
, Manohar Joshi
Manohar Joshi
Manohar Gajanan Joshi, is an Indian politician from the state of Maharashtra. He is one of the prominent leaders of the Shiv Sena political party. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995–1999.-Background and family:...
led a multi-party Parliamentary delegation to Poland from 22-26 May 2002. Also Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Jozef Oleksy
Józef Oleksy
Józef Oleksy is a post-communist Polish politician, former chairman of Democratic Left Alliance ....
, led a Polish parliamentary delegation to India from 9-11 December 2004. In April 2009 Indian President
President of India
The President of India is the head of state and first citizen of India, as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. President of India is also the formal head of all the three branches of Indian Democracy - Legislature, Executive and Judiciary...
Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited Poland. In September 2010 Polish leader Donald Tusk visited India and met with Indian politicians and businessmen.
Economic ties
The bilateral trade between two countries has grown about eleven times from 1992 to 2008. Bilateral trade, which totaled US$ 675.73 million and US$ 861.78 million in 2006 and 2007 respectively, crossed US$ 1 billion in 2008 with US$ 1274.77 million. During 2005, major Indian companies signed several agreements on investments that are expected to create more than 3,500 new jobs in Poland. India's major exports to Poland include TeaTea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
, Coffee
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage with a dark,init brooo acidic flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, colloquially called coffee beans. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Southeast Asia,...
, Spices, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, machinery and instruments, auto parts and surgical items. India's imports from Poland include Machinery except electric and electronic appliances, artificial resins, plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
material, non-ferrous metals and machine tools. Confederation of Indian Industry
Confederation of Indian Industry
The Confederation of Indian Industry is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organisation, seeking to play a proactive role in India’s development process. The organisation works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India,...
(CII) has sent several delegations to Poland to explore economic opportunities in various sectors. Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services Limited is a global IT services, business solutions and outsourcing company headquartered in Mumbai, India. It is the largest provider of information technology in Asia and second largest provider of business process outsourcing services in India...
, Wipro Technologies, ZenSar and Videocon
Videocon
Videocon is an industrial conglomerate with interests all over the world, and is a Indian multinational company. The group has 17 manufacturing sites in India and plants in China, Poland, Italy and Mexico. It is also the third largest picture tube manufacturer in the world...
have already set up their bases in Poland. Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) was formed in 2008 to protect and represent the interests within the range of economic activity and to promote economic relations between India and Poland. Poland has also shown interest to establish direct flights between the two countries by 2009.
Both countries have long-standing history of cooperation in science and technology. The first Indo-Polish Agreement on this cooperation was signed in March 1974; subsequently, a new agreement with more focus Programmes of Cooperation (POC) in science and technology were signed between the two countries from time to time. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian National Science Academy
Indian National Science Academy
The Indian National Science Academy , New Delhi is the apex body of Indian scientists representing all branches of science & technology.-History:...
(INSA) have ongoing scientific exchange programs with the Polish Academy of Sciences
Polish Academy of Sciences
The Polish Academy of Sciences, headquartered in Warsaw, is one of two Polish institutions having the nature of an academy of sciences.-History:...
(PAN).
Defense ties
India's defence relations with Poland have grown from military cooperation to comprehensive defense cooperation that includes courses, training for UN peacekeeping operations, and exchange of observers during army exercises. India and Poland signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in February 2003 during the visit of the Prime Minister of Poland Leszek MillerLeszek Miller
Leszek Cezary Miller is a Polish central-left-wing politician, leader of the Democratic Left Alliance , Prime Minister of the government of the Republic of Poland in 2001-2004.-Childhood and youth:...
to India. India awarded contracts worth US $ 600 million to Poland for modernization of tanks and the acquisition of air defence missiles. The T-72 tank with 800 horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
engines were fitted with 1000 hp engine and also fitted with modern fire control systems and night vision
Night vision
Night vision is the ability to see in low light conditions. Whether by biological or technological means, night vision is made possible by a combination of two approaches: sufficient spectral range, and sufficient intensity range...
equipments. Both India and Poland are considering privatization of their defense industries and see good prospects for mutual investments. Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
chief General Deepak Kapoor
Deepak Kapoor
General Deepak Kapoor PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC was the 25th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, appointed on 30 September 2007 and Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs Committee appointed on 31 August 2009....
visited Warsaw in March 2008 followed by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ryszard Schnepf
Ryszard Schnepf
Ryszard Schnepf is a Polish politician and diplomat. From 2007 to late 2008 he served as the under-secretary of state of Poland, as part of the Foreign Ministry.-References:...
in June the same year. India also acquired 625 assault parachute
Parachute
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic lift. Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally silk, now most commonly nylon...
s from the Polish company Air-Pol with automatic devices ensuring their reliable opening, with a total value of US $1.5 million. India's growing defense buy-outs from Poland has disappointed Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
which had considered India as safe market for its military hardware. Poland also delivered a batch of 80 WZT-3 ARVs to the Indian Army in 2001 for use in Kolar
Kolar
Kolara is a city in the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of Kolar District. It is known for being one of the gold mining sites in India....
gold field facility in Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
and next in 2004. The final batch of 40 WZT-3 ARVs were assembled in India from kits supplied from Poland.
See also
- Foreign relations of IndiaForeign relations of IndiaIndia has formal diplomatic relations with most nations, as the world's second most populous country and the world's most-populous democracy and recently has one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world...
- Foreign relations of PolandForeign relations of PolandThe Republic of Poland is a Central European country and member of the European Union and NATO, among others. In recent years, Poland has extended its responsibilities and position in European and Western affairs, supporting and establishing friendly foreign relations with both the West and with...
- Hinduism in PolandHinduism in PolandHinduism in Poland is a minority religion.Hinduism has spread to Poland through ISKCON missionaries since 1976. First groups of Polish devotees were established in Warszawa and Wrocław. The first Polish Hindu temple was established in 1980 in Czarnów, Lower Silesian Voivodeship . Main ISKCON temple...