Warsaw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Indian leader to visit Poland in 45 years, received a warm and joyous welcome from the Indian diaspora who had been eagerly awaiting his arrival since Monday, when his two-day state visit was announced. His reception was accompanied by cheers from the flag-waving crowd at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw Hotel in Warsaw, followed by a cultural performance.

An eager crowd was seen outside the hotel where Prime Minister Modi would be staying during his two-day state visit to Poland, welcoming the Prime Minister upon his arrival amid tight security. Modi also posed for a photograph with classical dancers at the venue.

“Our group was formed two years ago and it makes us very happy, especially in moments like today. We are very honoured and happy to present it to him. We welcome him to Poland,” said one of the Polish artists who performed for Prime Minister Modi.

The Prime Minister also interacted with Polish children and greeted members of the Indian diaspora upon arrival at the hotel. Later, he will first lay a wreath at the memorial of Jam Saheb of Nawanagar and visit the memorial of the Battle of Monte Cassino.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Poland on Thursday, becoming the first Indian leader to visit the Central European country in 45 years. His much-awaited visit to Warsaw comes as India and Poland celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. “I have landed in Poland. I am looking forward to the various programmes here. This visit will give new impetus to the friendship between India and Poland and will benefit the people of our countries,” he said at X.

The Indian president is expected to hold talks with the Polish leadership, including President Andrzej Sebastian Duda and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, and engage with the Indian community there. After completing his trip to Poland, Prime Minister Modi will visit Ukraine at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following a high-profile trip to Russia on June 8-9 amid the raging war between Moscow and Kyiv. Modi would be the first Indian president to visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

Shortly before his departure for Poland on Thursday, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to the opportunity to meet with the Polish leadership to advance India’s partnership with Warsaw, strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

“My visit to Poland comes at a time when we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Poland is an important economic partner in Central Europe. Our shared commitment to democracy and pluralism further strengthens our relations. I look forward to meeting my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our partnership. I will also speak to members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland,” he said in a statement.

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