India has conveyed strong concerns to Poland over what it described as “selective and unfair targeting” related to its trade ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war, while firmly cautioning Warsaw against extending any form of support to Pakistan on issues linked to cross-border terrorism.

The concerns were raised by external affairs minister S Jaishankar during talks with Polish deputy prime minister and foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, where both sides reviewed the growing India-Poland strategic partnership and discussed key global and regional developments.

India-Poland strategic partnership review

Welcoming the Polish delegation, Jaishankar said the discussions were taking place at a time of major global uncertainty, making dialogue between countries from different regions essential. He noted that India and Poland had elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw in August 2024.

The two sides reviewed the Action Plan 2024–28 and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defence, security, clean technologies and digital innovation.

India’s stand on Ukraine conflict

The Ukraine war figured prominently in the talks, with Jaishankar reiterating India’s position on the issue. He said he had candidly shared New Delhi’s views with Sikorski on several occasions and again underlined India’s objections during the New Delhi meeting.

Jaishankar stated that the selective targeting of India through tariffs and other pressure measures over its Moscow trade ties was unfair and unjustified. India has consistently maintained that it supports dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict and opposes attempts to influence its independent foreign policy choices through selective pressure.

Warning on terrorism and Pakistan

Jaishankar also raised India’s long-standing concern over cross-border terrorism, stressing that Poland should adopt a zero-tolerance approach. He said Warsaw should not, directly or indirectly, contribute to the terrorist infrastructure in India’s neighbourhood, a remark widely seen as a reference to Pakistan.

India has intensified diplomatic outreach in Europe to ensure that partners remain mindful of Pakistan’s record on terrorism financing and safe havens for extremist groups. Jaishankar’s message underscored that New Delhi expects consistency and principle from its strategic partners on the issue.

The remarks were also viewed in the context of Poland’s statement on Kashmir during a bilateral visit to Islamabad in October 2025.

Poland echoes concern over selective pressure

Responding to India’s concerns, Sikorski said Poland agreed that selective targeting through tariffs was unfair and could disrupt global trade stability. Referring to incidents in his own country, he said Poland had faced acts of arson and attempted state terrorism, including attacks on railway infrastructure, and underlined the need to counter trans-border terrorism.

Growing economic ties

The meeting took place against the backdrop of expanding economic engagement between the two countries. Poland is among India’s key trading partners in Central Europe, with bilateral trade at around USD 7 billion and Indian investments exceeding USD 3 billion.

Both sides expressed confidence that the strategic partnership would continue to deepen, even as India used the dialogue to clearly articulate its red lines on geopolitical pressure and terrorism.

The Indian government on Friday said it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Iran and has advised Indian nationals currently in the country to leave using available means. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed that ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens remains a priority.

Speaking during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said approximately 9,000 Indians are presently residing in Iran, with students forming the majority of the community. He said the government has issued multiple advisories in response to recent developments.

“In light of the situation, we have advised Indian citizens in India not to travel to Iran at this time, and those currently residing there have been asked to leave the country by whatever means are available,” Jaiswal said.

The spokesperson added that the government is maintaining close vigilance over developments and is prepared to take necessary steps for the welfare of Indian nationals.

Embassy advisories and travel warnings

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory asking Indian citizens — including students, businesspersons, pilgrims and tourists — to depart Iran through available transport options, including commercial flights, citing the evolving security environment.

Separately, the MEA reiterated its advisory urging Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice. It also recalled an earlier warning issued on January 5, advising Indian nationals in Iran to remain cautious and refrain from participating in protests or demonstrations.

Indian citizens in Iran have been asked to keep essential travel and identification documents, including passports, readily accessible. Those living in the country on resident visas have also been advised to register with the Indian Embassy.

Protests and regional tensions

The advisories come against the backdrop of nationwide protests in Iran, which began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar in late December following a sharp fall in the Iranian rial. The demonstrations later spread across the country amid mounting economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, power outages and water shortages.

Regional tensions have also risen amid international warnings of possible military action if the situation escalates further. These developments have prompted several countries, including India, to review travel advisories and safety measures for their citizens in Iran.

India has maintained long-standing ties with Iran, though officials have indicated that recent international trade-related announcements linked to Tehran are expected to have a limited impact, given the relatively small share of bilateral trade in India’s overall commerce.

US President Donald Trump has described it as a “wonderful gesture” after Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting at the White House.

Trump praised Machado publicly after the interaction, saying she had been through “so much” and that the act reflected “mutual respect.” He said the medal was given to him for the work he has done, according to his post on his social media platform.

The gesture, however, has drawn attention as the Nobel Institute has clarified that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred to another individual.

Nobel Institute rules out transfer of prize

The Nobel Institute has stated that Machado is not permitted to give her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. Despite this, a White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal, even if the act remains symbolic.

Trump has long expressed interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, making the episode particularly notable despite the formal limitations placed on such honours.

Political context behind the meeting

Machado had been widely regarded as Venezuela’s democratic leader-in-waiting before Trump’s recent policy decisions regarding the country. Earlier this month, Trump declined to fully back her challenge to Venezuela’s ruling regime and instead signalled openness to engaging with leaders linked to the existing power structure.

Trump has publicly questioned Machado’s ability to lead, saying she lacks sufficient support and respect within Venezuela. Her political party is believed to have won the 2024 elections, results that were rejected by President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump has also indicated a willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s deputy.

What Machado said after the meeting

Speaking to reporters after leaving the White House and heading to Capitol Hill, Machado said she presented the medal to the US president as recognition of his “unique commitment” to Venezuela’s freedom.

She added that Trump did not provide detailed assurances during their closed-door discussion, including on the issue of elections in Venezuela. No further specifics of the meeting were disclosed.

Afterwards, Machado greeted supporters gathered near the White House gates, hugging several of them. Addressing the crowd, she said they could count on President Trump, prompting brief chants of appreciation from those present.

Machado’s recent public appearance

Before her visit to Washington, Machado had largely stayed out of public view since travelling to Norway last month, where her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. She had spent nearly a year in hiding in Venezuela before appearing at the ceremony.