A team from the Centre for Eastern Studies (CES) Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich (OSW), a Polish Think Tank led by Mr. Wojciech Kononczuk, Director General of CES visited India Foundation on 16 January 2024 at the India Foundation Office & held discussion with the India Foundation team on “Russia-China axis and its impact on Indo-Pacific and world order”. The discussion was chaired by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation. The CES team comprised of Mr. Jakub Jakóbowski, Deputy Director General and Head of the China Department, Mr. Marek Menkiszak, Head of the Russia Department and Mr. Witold Rodkiewicz, Expert in Russia Department. They were accompanied by HE Dr. Sebastian Domżalski, Charge de Affair, Polish Embassy and Ms. Patrycja, Political Secretary. The participants discussed the current scenario of the Russia- Ukraine War and highlighted how Russia’s dependence on China is increasing with each passing day. India Foundation team said that India would want a quick resolution to the conflict, and would not want the arena of the conflict to expand. It was also brought out that historically, India has had good relations with Russia and although India is part of various groupings & alliances, it cherishes its strategic autonomy. India is also not a part of any military alliance with any country. CES team highlighted that in the past, Poland has had excellent relations with China, but the relations were under strain as Poland is moving closer to the Western world. The talk continued for an hour, and both institutions agreed on collaborating in future.
