Poland has secured India's support for its bid to become a permanent member of the G20 and hopes to join the influential grouping during the US presidency, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has said.
Speaking at a press conference, Sikorski said the United States had proposed a resolution for Poland's permanent membership and that he had been seeking support from various member countries, including India.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured Poland of India's backing during his recent meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
"We are grateful for that," Sikorski said, expressing hope that the membership process would be completed during the American presidency.
Asked about the timeline, he said the decision would depend on consultations among member countries but expressed optimism about progress during the US tenure.
Sikorski also referred to the forthcoming G20 summit in Florida and said Britain had invited Tusk to attend next year's gathering in Manchester.
As part of Poland's diplomatic campaign, the foreign minister said he had held discussions with counterparts from Argentina, Canada, South Korea and Indonesia, besides Saudi Arabia.
He claimed that almost all the countries approached had agreed to support Poland's membership, with some having already announced their backing publicly.
Describing Tusk's recent visit to India as "extremely successful", Sikorski said the Polish prime minister had travelled with ministers overseeing sectors with potential for bilateral cooperation, along with a large business delegation.
He also welcomed the prospect of an India-European Union free trade agreement, saying negotiations had gained momentum and expressing hope that the pact would benefit both sides.
On efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Black Sea, Sikorski referred to both Turkish and Indian initiatives and called for early action, citing the interests of countries in the Global South.
Asked about his engagement with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sikorski spoke warmly of their longstanding relationship but did not confirm a separate bilateral meeting.
He also described Poland's relations with the United States as excellent, irrespective of the governments in power in Warsaw and Washington.
On differences within the G20, Sikorski said he was not surprised by the difficulties in reaching consensus, given the ongoing conflicts involving some member countries.
He said discussions had covered freedom of navigation, energy and food security, adding that dialogue among members must continue despite disagreements.
The African Union became a permanent G20 member during India's presidency in 2023.
