Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-nation visit with a stop in Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years. Upon his arrival, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community in Warsaw, where he delivered a speech highlighting the significance of this visit and his commitment to strengthening India-Poland relations.

In his address, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk to further enhance bilateral ties. He also acknowledged the support provided by the Indian community during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, which greatly assisted Indian students affected by the conflict.

Key quotes from PM Modi's address include:

• “India is the land of Lord Buddha's legacy. Therefore, India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. Our concept is clear—this is not an era of war. India believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.”

• “Today’s India aims to connect with everyone. We focus on the development of all and think about the interests of all.”

• “During the Covid pandemic, India prioritized 'Humanity first.' We sent medicines and vaccines to over 150 countries. In the face of disasters, India’s guiding principle remains 'Humanity first.'”

• “The Polish people have shown immense respect and affection for Jam Saheb and his family, as evidenced by the Good Maharaja Square. I visited the Dobry Maharaja Memorial and Kolhapur Memorial, and I am pleased to announce the launch of the Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Action Programme, which will invite 20 Polish youths to India annually.”

• “Indians are known for their efforts, actions, and empathy. Whether in entrepreneurship, caregiving, or the service sector, Indians are making significant contributions globally.”

• “India and Poland share a commitment to democracy. India is not only the mother of democracy but also a vibrant and participative democracy. This was evident in the recent Lok Sabha elections. For comparison, in the recent European Union elections, 180 million voters participated, while in India, the figure was 640 million.”

• “India is advancing with both the goals of becoming a developed nation and achieving net-zero emissions. Our 2024 Budget emphasizes youth skilling and job creation, aiming to transform India into a hub for education, research, and innovation.”

• “According to NASSCOM, India is projected to become a trillion-dollar economy by the end of this decade, driven by its digital infrastructure.”

• “We view the entire world as one family, and this perspective is reflected in the policies and decisions of today’s India. The media has noted that this is the first Indian Prime Minister visit to Poland in 45 years, underscoring the importance of this trip.”

The visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening international ties and showcasing its growing global influence.