External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday visited the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw and paid tribute to India’s role in sheltering Polish women and children during World War II.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday paid respects at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, commemorating India’s humanitarian role in providing refuge to thousands of Polish women and children during World War II.
After visiting the memorial, Jaishankar said the gesture of compassion shown by India continues to hold a special place in the collective memory of the Polish people.
“Paid my respects at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, remembering the refuge provided to 5,000 Polish women & children during World War II. This act of generosity is still fresh in the memory of the Polish people,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
He added, “Dispersed around the world, we remember India with heartfelt gratitude.”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared details of the visit, saying Jaishankar had paid his respects at the memorial.
Jaishankar honours ‘Dobry Maharaja’ of Jamnagar
Jaishankar also visited the memorial of Jamsaheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the former ruler of Jamnagar who is fondly remembered in Poland as the “Dobry (Good) Maharaja”.
Recalling the Maharaja’s contribution during World War II, Jaishankar said he is remembered for providing care and shelter to around 1,000 Polish children.
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“Jamsaheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja ji is fondly remembered for looking after 1,000 Polish children during World War II. His warmth & compassion remain an abiding bridge between India and Poland,” he said.
Jaishankar thanked Polish MP Kinga Gajewska and Ochota Mayor Piotr Krasnodebski for joining him during the visit.
He also recalled the Maharaja’s words to the Polish children he sheltered: “I am Bapu, the father of all Nawanagaris, including yourselves.”
India-Poland strategic ties gain momentum
Jaishankar’s visit to the memorials came amid efforts to further strengthen the India-Poland Strategic Partnership.
Speaking alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on Friday, Jaishankar said the two countries were making progress on the Action Plan agreed upon during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland two years ago.
He said the partnership had seen an uptick in trade and investments, deeper defence cooperation and greater engagement in sectors including mining and energy.
“New possibilities” are also emerging in areas such as space, digital technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, Jaishankar said.
New agreements in key sectors
Jaishankar said India and Poland are also working on new agreements covering cybersecurity, space, clean coal, classified information and critical minerals.
He highlighted Poland’s importance in India’s expanding engagement with the European Union, particularly as negotiations continue on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Jaishankar said the deal could create significant economic opportunities for both countries, with Poland expected to benefit as an important EU member.
Jaishankar meets Polish leadership
During his visit to Warsaw, Jaishankar also called on Polish President Karol Nawrocki and held delegation-level talks with Sikorski.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing major global conflicts and emerging geopolitical challenges.
Jaishankar and Sikorski also reviewed the implementation of the India-Poland Joint Action Plan 2024–28 across various sectors.
The External Affairs Minister was on an official visit to Poland and Ukraine from September 3 to 5.