Warsaw/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Poland – a first for an Indian Prime Minister in more than four decades, joked that the "first" had been one of the biggest headlines back home.

Addressing a gathering of expat Indians that his recent visit to Austria has been another first in four decades. "It is my good fortune to bring about many firsts," he added to laughter and cheers.

This string of firsts, he indicated, was due to a 180 degree shift in foreign policy. "For decades, India's policy was to maintain distance from all countries," PM Modi said.

"Today, India's policy is to maintain close ties with all countries. Today's India wants to connect with everyone," he said in a subtle jab at the Non-Aligned Movement of the 70s under the then Congress government.

Ahead of his much-anticipated visit to Ukraine, Modi said this is not an era of war and pledged to campaign for a peaceful resolution of Russia's invasion.

"India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. Our stand is very clear - this isn't an era of war. This is the time to come together against those challenges which threaten humanity. Therefore, India believes in diplomacy and dialogues," PM Modi said.

PM Modi, 73, will be the first Indian Prime Minister to make a Ukraine trip and is the first in 45 years to travel to Poland - Kyiv's close ally and a key transit for foreign leaders heading to its war-torn neighbour.

The Prime Minister spoke about the transformative progress achieved by India in the last 10 years.

He expressed confidence that India will become the third-largest economy in the next few years.

He also spoke about his vision for the country to become a developed nation - Viksit Bharat - by 2047. He stated that Poland and India were enhancing their partnership in areas of new technology and clean energy and driving green growth.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, Poland.

He said that this Memorial is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur. "This Royal Family was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II," he added.

He was also given a grand welcome by the Indian community on his arrival in Poland.

PM Modi also laid a wreath and paid tribute at the Monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino in Warsaw earlier.

This Monument commemorates the sacrifice and valour of soldiers from Poland, India and other countries who fought alongside each other in the famous Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy during the second World War.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the Monument underscores the shared history and deep-rooted ties between India and Poland that continue to inspire many.