INDIA- POLAND RELATIONS

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of India and Poland.

Important points:

• The MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance.
• These agreements allow for the exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters between the signing countries.
• It will enhance effectiveness of both the countries in investigation and prosecution of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
• It will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with Poland in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restrain and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the funds meant to finance terrorist acts.
• It will be instrumental in gaining better inputs and insights in the modus operandi of organized criminals and terrorists.
• These in turn can be used to fine tune policy decisions in the field of internal security.

India-Poland Relations

• India and Poland diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957.
• The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.
• During the Communist era of Poland (1944 to 1989), bilateral relations were close and cordial, with regular high level visits, coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organizations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements.
• The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989.
• A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, and became one of India’s key economic partners in Central Europe.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT