Warsaw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Poland and thanked everyone who arrived in Warsaw from different parts of the central European nation to accord him a grand welcome.
"This scene is extraordinary. Ever since I landed here, you have not got tired, you have come here from different parts of Poland, and you speak a different language but you are connected with the spirit of Indianness. I thank you for the grand welcome," the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Modi, who became the first Indian leader to visit Poland in 45 years, said that there is a shift in India's foreign policy. "I visited Austria recently. There too, an Indian PM was visiting after four decades. Situations have changed now. For decades, India's policy was to maintain distance from all countries. Today, India's policy is to maintain close ties with all countries," he said.
(Photo courtesy: X@narendramodi)
"For India, it's not about geopolitics, it's about values. This is our legacy that fills every Indian with pride. Poland has been witness to India's 'Sanatan bhava'. During World War II when Poland was going through a tough time and was seeking refuge, Jam Saheb came forward. He constructed a special camp for Polish women and children," Prime Minister Modi said.
"Two decades ago, when an earthquake hit Gujarat, Jamnagar was affected badly. Poland was among the first countries to extend help," he added.
The Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on the significant contribution made by the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He commended their role in the success of Operation Ganga, which was carried out by the Indian government to rescue its citizens stranded in neighbouring countries of Ukraine.
"The way you helped Indian students stuck in Poland (during the Russia-Ukraine war), we saw that. You arranged langars, you opened your doors, Polish government removed visa requirements for our Indian students," he said
He called upon the community to become a brand ambassador of tourism to India and be part of its growth story.
The Prime Minister noted that the Dobry Maharaja, Kolhapur and Battle of Monte Cassino memorials were shining examples of vibrant people-to-people ties between the two countries. To further strengthen this special bond, Prime Minister Modi announced a new initiative called Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Program under which 20 Polish youth would be invited to India each year.
Prime Minister Modi dwelt on India's belief in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family – which inspires it to contribute to global well-being and to be the First Responder in humanitarian crises.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the transformative progress achieved by India in the last 10 years. He expressed confidence that India will become the third-largest economy in the next few years. PM Modi further spoke about his vision for the country to become a developed nation - Viksit Bharat - by 2047.
