Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India’s approach now is to cultivate equal relationships with all nations, shifting from its previous policy of remaining equidistant.
While addressing Indian community members in Warsaw, PM Modi said, “For decades, India had a policy to maintain distance from all the countries. However, the policy of today’s India is to have equal closeness with all countries. The India of today wants to connect with all. Today’s India talks about the development of all. Today’s India is with all and thinks about the interests of all.”
“We are proud that today, world respects India as ‘Vishwabandhu’. You also feel the same here. My information is correct, right? he asked the crowd. The eager audience responded affirmatively.
“For us, it is not about geopolitics. It is about our values. For people, who did not get a place anywhere, India gave them a place in their hearts and their land. This is our heritage and every Indian is proud of it. Poland has been a witness to India’s Santanbhav,” he added.
The prime minister also reminisced about how Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, provided refuge to Polish women and children during World War II. He noted that the Jam Saheb is still honoured as the ‘Good Maharaja’ in Poland.
“Jam Saheb is still remembered as ‘Dobry or Good Maharaja’ in Poland. During World War II, when Poland faced difficulties, when thousands of women and children from Poland were wandering from place to place for shelter, Jam Saheb, Digvijay Singh Ranjit Singh Jadeja ji came forward. He had built a special camp for Polish women and children, and he told the women and children of the camp that just as the people of Nava Nagar call me Bapu, I am your Bapu too,” he stated.
“I have been meeting family members of Jam Saheb. They have showered me with love. A few months ago, I went to meet present Jam Saheb, his room still has an image related to Poland. I am happy to know that Jam Saheb’s path has been kept alive by Poland,” he added.
He also highlighted that the Indian Diaspora has played a crucial role in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries. PM Modi mentioned that Poland was among the first nations to assist Gujarat following the earthquake there 20 years ago. Additionally, he talked about his visits to the Good Maharaja Memorial and the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw.
“Two decades ago, when an earthquake happened in Gujarat, Jamnagar too was affected. At that time, Poland was one of the first nations that reached Gujarat to provide help. In Poland also, people have given immense love and respect to Jam Saheb. This was clearly reflected at the Good Maharaja Square in Warsaw. Sometime back, I also visited Dobry (Good) Maharaja Memorial and Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw,” he said.
PM Modi also revealed that India will launch the Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Exchange Program.
He said, “India is going to start the Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Exchange programme. Under this programme, India will invite 20 Polish youths annually to visit India. This way, Poland youth will get to learn more about India.”
Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception he received in Poland, he remarked , “You all have come here from different parts of Poland. Everyone has different languages, dialects, food habits, but you all are connected with the feeling of Indianness. You have given me such a wonderful welcome here, I am very grateful to all of you, to the people of Poland, for this welcome.”
PM Modi arrived in Poland on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian leader to visit the Central European nation in 45 years. His trip to Warsaw coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. The enthusiastic Indian diaspora greeted Prime Minister Modi at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw Hotel, arriving even before his arrival for his two-day state visit. The crowd gave him a warm and spirited welcome, and members of the Indian diaspora expressed their happiness and admiration for PM Modi’s role in India’s development.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Poland! Their energy embodies the strong ties that bind our nations.”
Members of the Indian diaspora welcomed PM Modi, who responded warmly to their affection. The Prime Minister waved to the crowd and shook hands with some attendees. The Indian community raised slogans praising PM Modi, as well as chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”