India and Poland spar over Russia and Pakistan amid broader India–EU engagement |
India and Poland have publicly articulated their differences over two sensitive geopolitical issues-Pakistan and Russia-highlighting the complexities that increasingly characterize relations between New Delhi and parts of the European Union. The exchange, which took place during Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski’s visit to India on January 19, underscored India’s growing assertiveness in defending what it sees as core national security interests, even as it deepens strategic and economic engagement with Europe.
At the heart of the disagreement lies New Delhi’s long-standing concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan, as well as India’s discomfort with what it views as selective and unfair European sanctions linked to its trade with Russia. While both India and Poland emphasized the importance of dialogue and partnership, the meeting revealed fundamental divergences in how the two countries assess regional security and global responsibility.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used the bilateral meeting to convey New Delhi’s unease over Sikorski’s visit to Pakistan in October 2025. That visit, according to Indian officials, was particularly ill-timed, as it occurred only months after a serious military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May of the same year. The conflict, though limited in duration, had once again brought global attention to South Asia’s volatility and India’s repeated claims that Pakistan provides shelter and support to terrorist groups targeting Indian territory.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar made India’s position explicit. He stated that India expects its international partners to demonstrate “zero tolerance” toward terrorism and, crucially, to avoid actions that could be interpreted as legitimizing or enabling terrorist........