The memorial honors Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, the former Maharaja of Nawanagar (now Jamnagar). In 1942, the Maharaja founded the Polish Children's Camp in Jamnagar for Polish refugee children evacuated from the former USSR during World War II. The Prime Minister will also pay homage at the monument dedicated to the Battle of Monte Cassino, which marks the triumph of the Second Polish Corps in the 1944 battle. The Second Polish Corps successfully captured the hill and the monastery atop it, with over 900 Polish soldiers sacrificing their lives in this conflict. Additionally, the PM will visit the Kolhapur Memorial, situated near this monument, which commemorates the village in Kolhapur that provided shelter to the Polish children who had found refuge under the Jam Saheb of Nawangar. These children were relocated to Valivade in Kolhapur in 1945. Prior to his departure from New Delhi for pivotal visits to two countries, Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation for laying the groundwork for more robust and dynamic relations with these nations in the future. The Prime Minister highlighted that his trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with both countries. "My visit to Poland marks 70 years of diplomatic relations. Poland is a significant economic partner in Central Europe. Our shared values of democracy and pluralism strengthen our bond. I am eager to meet with my colleague Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to deepen our partnership," PM Modi stated. Earlier, India's Ambassador to Poland, Nagma Mallick, noted: "We enjoy a thriving bilateral trade volume of approximately $6 billion, with a favorable trade balance for India. We have substantial Indian investments here, totaling around $3 billion, and Polish investors have also made investments in India, nearing a billion dollars," the Ambassador remarked. Following his visit to Poland, PM Modi will proceed to Ukraine upon the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the inaugural visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine.
Text: Lara Palmer
21.08.2024
Celebrating 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations and Strengthening Economic Ties