Polish pilots played a foundational role in building Pakistan's Air Force after Partition, but the country says it stands with India on terrorism and supports New Delhi's right to pursue terrorists, according to Poland's Ambassador to India, Dr Piotr Antoni Świtalski.
Speaking about Poland's relationship with Pakistan, Świtalski acknowledged the historic role played by Polish pilots in the creation of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
"It's undeniable that Polish pilots built the air force of Pakistan after separation. They had no job, and they were hired by Pakistan," the ambassador said.
Polish pilots and aeronautical engineers, led by World War II veteran Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz, played a foundational role in building, organising and training the newly established Pakistan Air Force beginning in the late 1940s.
However, Świtalski pointed out that Poland's historical relationship with the region was not limited to Pakistan. He cited Poland's role during the Bangladesh Liberation War to say that the country had ties with India as well. "But on the other hand, Polish tanks were used by the Indian army to liberate Bangladesh. It's a famous story," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
"Poland was the third country in the world to recognise the independence of Bangladesh. So clearly, we were on your side," the envoy added.
Świtalski was very clear on his country’s position on terrorism, saying Warsaw stands with New Delhi.
"On the question of terrorism, we are on your side because we are victims of terrorism," he said.
The ambassador referred to terrorist attacks against Indians, including the attack in Kashmir in 2025, and said Poland supported India's right to pursue terrorists.
"We support your right to pursue terrorists everywhere they go because our policy on that is very clear, and we said it openly," Świtalski said.
The issue also has a personal connection for the Polish envoy. He said he had spent Easter in Kashmir last year and left Srinagar on the night before the terrorist attack.
"I was supposed to go the other day. So it's very personal," he said.
He further added: "When I hear some statements using the Pakistani factor to attack Poland, I'm really very surprised. I suspect sometimes a kind of foreign agenda behind it," he said.
Polish drones and Operation Sindoor
He also addressed reports on the use of Polish drones during Operation Sindoor. "I suspect they were simply used as decoys, and they were training drones," Świtalski said.
He acknowledged that Poland maintains diplomatic relations with Pakistan and has some economic interests there, although he said other Western European countries are much more deeply involved in Pakistan's economy.
Meanwhile, Świtalski stressed Poland's growing relationship with India, describing the country as a "very effective partner".
He said Polish companies were ready to work with India in agriculture and other sectors, even as Indian companies were already investing and operating in Poland.
