India and Poland have resolved their differences over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil and now have a better understanding of each other’s positions, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski said.

Bartoszewski said Poland had previously criticised India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude over concerns that the trade was helping finance Russia’s war economy. However, he said the issue had evolved through dialogue and was no longer a significant point of discussion between the two countries.

Poland Had Raised Concerns Over India’s Russian Oil Purchases

Speaking to ANI during his visit to India, Bartoszewski said Poland understood the economic considerations behind New Delhi’s decision to purchase discounted Russian crude.

However, Warsaw had concerns that the purchases were contributing to Russia’s war economy amid the conflict in Ukraine.

“I think we were critical about India buying Russian oil. We understood the economic reason for that because it was at a heavy discount, about 40 per cent less than the market price. We understood that, but it was fueling the Russian war economy. So we had a different view on that,” Bartoszewski said.

The Polish Deputy Foreign Minister said countries could have different priorities and positions while maintaining amicable bilateral relations.

Russian Oil Issue Resolved Through Dialogue, Minister Says

Bartoszewski said discussions between India and Poland had helped both countries understand each other’s positions on the issue.

“This matter has been changed and resolved, and this is really not much of a topic of conversation now. We understood India’s position. India understood our position,” he said.

Bartoszewski added that disagreements between countries did not prevent them from maintaining friendly relations or finding common ground.

“Yes, we happen to disagree, but we still have amicable relations. Of course, each nation has its own priorities, but certain things can be negotiated and agreed, and I think this was the case,” he said.

Remarks Come Ahead Of Polish PM Donald Tusk’s Planned India Visit

The comments come as India and Poland prepare to deepen their strategic ties ahead of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s planned visit to India later this year.

The two countries are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations after moving past differences over India’s energy ties with Russia.

Bartoszewski’s remarks also follow strong comments by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during talks with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in January.

Jaishankar Had Called Criticism Of India Unfair

Jaishankar had said India was being “selectively targeted” over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its energy ties with Moscow.

He described criticism of India’s position as “both unfair and unjustified”.

Jaishankar reiterated that India’s decisions regarding its energy purchases and foreign policy were guided by the country’s national interests.

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