PM Narendra Modi meets Dy PM of Poland; focus on expanding ties

GANDHI NAGAR: Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Piotr Glinsks today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of trade and investment, scientific research and waste management.

In the meeting Modi appreciated Polish support for India's membership of Missile Technology Control Regime and its bid for NSG membership, official sources said.

Glinsks is here to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit, beginning tomorrow.

In the meeting, Modi also invited participation by Poland in the coal mining sector where India has opened up for FDI. He said Poland could be a very attractive location for shooting of Bollywood movies.

Modi also said India would support Polish plans to push forward air connectivity and that the e-Visa scheme would benefit visitors from Poland, the sources said.

"The PM recognized the world class Polish expertise in waste, solid and waste water management and said it could be very useful in our smart cities project," the sources said adding there was a comprehensive review of bilateral relations in the meeting.

Favouring deepening of trade ties, Modi also talked about change in rules for import of Polish apples, trade going up by 22 per cent, and Indian companies investing more than USD 2 billion in Poland.

Recalling the longstanding relationship between India, Gujarat in particular, and Poland, Modi said Poland was the first country to extend help when Gujarat faced an earthquake.

"He also recalled that Junagadh had provided succor to more than 1000 Poles who had come from Siberia," the sources said.

The Polish Dy PM observed that deep ties had existed between Poland and Gujarat since World War II.

"He said Poland wanted to work with India especially in coal mining, green technology and recognizing this opportunity he had come with a large business delegation. He invited PM to visit Poland at an early date," the sources added.

He said Poland also looked forward to cooperation with India in effecting UN reform.