New Delhi — January 19, 2026 — A frank exchange between India and Poland revealed diverging views on regional security, with disagreements surfacing over Pakistan and Russia during talks in New Delhi on Monday. It’s a diplomatic tightrope walk: balancing burgeoning trade with fundamental disagreements on who poses a threat in the neighborhood.
India and Poland publicly aired disagreements over Pakistan’s role in regional terrorism and the European Union’s sanctions related to India’s energy imports from Russia.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged Poland to show “zero tolerance” for terrorism and avoid actions that could “fuel” terrorist infrastructure.
- Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed concern over India’s participation in the “Zapad-2025” military exercises with Russia and Belarus.
- The discussions took place as India and the EU are nearing a major trade agreement, with Poland being a key European partner.
- Sikorski publicly commented on India’s Russian oil imports, prompting a strong response from Jaishankar regarding “selective targeting” by the EU.
Q: What sparked the disagreement between India and Poland?
A: The core of the dispute lies in differing perspectives on regional security threats, specifically India’s concerns about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Poland’s anxieties regarding India’s relationship with Russia.
During televised remarks at Hyderabad House, Jaishankar directly addressed Sikorski’s recent visit to Pakistan in October 2025, where he met with Pakistani leadership following a period of conflict between India and Pakistan in May. “Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood,” Jaishankar stated.
Sikorski, a former journalist with experience covering conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, acknowledged the conversation was “frank.” While agreeing on the need to address terrorism, he voiced concerns about India’s involvement in the “Zapad-2025” military exercises alongside Russia and Belarus, deeming them “threatening.”
Regional Concerns Take Center Stage
“We all have regional concerns and we all have neighbours, and with neighbours you have opportunities and challenges,” Sikorski said, adding that India and Poland share a common understanding regarding terrorism.
The exchange is notable given the strengthening ties between India and Poland in recent years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Warsaw in August 2024 before traveling to Ukraine, signaling a growing diplomatic engagement. A major trade agreement between India and the European Union is also on the horizon.
Jaishankar also took issue with Sikorski’s public comments regarding India’s oil imports from Russia. In Jaipur on January 19, 2026, Sikorski had expressed satisfaction with India’s reduction in Russian oil purchases, stating he hoped India valued “principles” and criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine, according to an interview with The Hindu.
“I have repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified. I do so again today,” Jaishankar told Sikorski, referencing the comments and potentially the EU’s July 2025 sanctions against Nayara Energy, a partially Russian-owned refinery in India, and other Indian companies involved in imports.
Trade and Cooperation Remain Priorities
Despite the disagreements, India and Poland have seen a 200% increase in bilateral trade over the past decade, reaching $7 billion. Both countries are exploring opportunities to expand direct flights, trade, and technological cooperation. Sikorski’s visit is part of a series of engagements with European leaders, including the German Chancellor and France’s National Security Adviser, ahead of the EU’s Republic Day Parade and the EU-India Summit.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs officials did not comment on whether the issue of “selective targeting” would be raised with European Commission and Council Presidents Ursula Von der Leyen and Antonia Costa during next week’s meetings.
