Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 20: Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski on Monday highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations with India, stating that Poland is seeking new trade partners amid increased tariffs imposed by certain regions and underscoring the need to uphold a free trade environment.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Sikorski said India has shown a clear willingness to engage with Poland on trade and economic cooperation.

“When faced with increased tariffs from some regions of the world, we seek new trade partners, and India has shown a willingness to engage. We need to demonstrate to the world that there are regions that still believe in free trade,” he said.

His remarks come in the backdrop of a trade agreement signed last year between the United States and the European Union—of which Poland is a member—under which a 15 per cent import tariff was imposed on most EU goods.

Meanwhile, negotiations between India and the European Union on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have entered their final phase.

The Polish Deputy Prime Minister said collaboration between India and the EU holds immense potential, noting that the EU’s predictable and stable single-market framework makes it an attractive partner for trade and investment.

“While some industries are sensitive, the agricultural sectors of India and the EU are more or less compatible. There is, therefore, a large potential,” Sikorski said. He further pointed out that the EU’s system of checks and balances involving member states, the European Parliament and the European Commission ensures policy stability.

“In our system, we cannot make abrupt turns like in some other parts of the world. This makes the EU a predictable single market and an attractive trade partner and investment destination,” he added.

Expressing optimism, Sikorski said the ongoing India-EU FTA talks are likely to conclude successfully. “We are optimistic that the negotiations will reach a positive conclusion, benefiting both India and the European Union,” he said.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to be finalised during the upcoming visit of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will represent the EU at the 16th EU-India Summit scheduled to be held on January 27.