Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Honors Indian Wartime Humanitarian Legacies in Warsaw
S Jaishankar visited two memorials in Warsaw, Poland.
The memorials remember Indian help given to Polish people during World War II.
The Kolhapur royal family sheltered about 5,000 Polish women and children.
Jam Saheb of Nawanagar sheltered more than 1,000 Polish children.
In Poland, people remember him as the “Good Maharaja.”
Jaishankar said these acts of kindness still connect India and Poland.
He also met Polish leaders to discuss how the two countries can work together.
Their talks included international issues such as the Ukraine conflict and the Middle East.
A youth exchange program inspired by Jam Saheb’s legacy will hold its second edition in October 2026.
S Jaishankar paid tribute at Warsaw’s Kolhapur Memorial and Dobry Maharaja Memorial.
The Kolhapur Memorial commemorates refuge provided to around 5,000 Polish women and children during World War II.
The Dobry Maharaja Memorial honors Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja for sheltering more than 1,000 Polish children.
Jaishankar met Polish President Karol Nawrocki and discussed the India-Poland Strategic Partnership, Ukraine, the Middle East, IMEC and the G20.
India and Poland reviewed bilateral cooperation and announced the second Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Programme for October 2026.
- Who
- S Jaishankar, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Polish officials, the Kolhapur royal family, and Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja.
- What
- Jaishankar paid tribute at two Warsaw memorials honoring India’s humanitarian assistance to Polish refugees and held bilateral talks with Polish officials.
- When
- September 5, 2026; Jaishankar’s meeting with President Karol Nawrocki was reported as taking place on Friday during the visit.
- Where
- Warsaw, Poland.
- Why
- To commemorate Indian humanitarian assistance during World War II and advance the India-Poland Strategic Partnership.
- Memorials visited
- The Kolhapur Memorial and the Dobry Maharaja Memorial in Warsaw.
- Kolhapur legacy
- The Kolhapur royal family provided refuge to around 5,000 Polish women and children during World War II.
- Nawanagar legacy
- Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja sheltered more than 1,000 Polish children during World War II.
- Polish remembrance
- Jam Saheb is remembered in Poland as the “Dobry Maharaja,” or “Good Maharaja.”
- Presidential talks
- Jaishankar and President Karol Nawrocki discussed the Strategic Partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, IMEC and the G20.
- Bilateral cooperation
- India and Poland reviewed progress under the Joint Action Plan for 2024-28 and discussed trade, investment, defence, technology and energy.
- Youth exchange
- The first 20-member Polish delegation visited India in February 2025; the second programme is scheduled for October 2026.
