Modi stopped nuke-war between Ukraine-Russia, claims Polish minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a critical role in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin against deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine during late 2022, Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski claimed. Speaking at a press conference following the India-Poland Joint Economic Commission meeting in New Delhi on Monday, Bartoszewski stated that PM Modi remains one of the few global leaders whose counsel Putin seriously considers due to New Delhi's decades-old strategic ties with Moscow. The Polish minister emphasized that India's unique position could be leveraged further to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

The statement highlights PM Modi's ongoing diplomatic outreach regarding the war, which has now entered its fourth year. In September 2022, Modi notably emphasized to Putin that "today's era is not of war" during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan. Since the outbreak of the conflict, India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy while choosing not to participate in Western-led economic sanctions against Russia. Furthermore, New Delhi has maintained its discounted crude oil imports from Moscow, citing national interest and energy security requirements.

Bartoszewski also expressed support for India's diplomatic approach toward the Middle East situation involving Iran, where New Delhi has balanced its strategic energy interests while urging restraint and de-escalation. He observed that both Poland and India align in their preference for diplomatic solutions to maintain stability in the Gulf region. Additionally, the visiting Polish minister reiterated Warsaw's formal backing for India's long-standing bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.