New Delhi [India]: Poland’s Secretary of State and Deputy Foreign Minister, Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, acknowledged on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin could prove helpful in negotiating an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Bartoszewski, however, emphasized that he believes US President Donald Trump holds the most influence over Putin at this stage.
“I think a mediator is welcomed, as much as (Russian) President Putin does talk to Prime Minister Modi so that may be at some stage very helpful, but at the moment I think who has any leeway with President Putin is President Trump. I think it is better to leave it for the time being to one person and see what happens,” Bartoszewski told ANI during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
PM Modi’s Role in Preventing Nuclear Escalation
The Polish minister also credited PM Modi for playing a crucial role in deterring Russia from using nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
“President Putin was threatening to use tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Ukraine. The Americans sent lots of messages for him to not think about it… That didn’t necessarily persuade him at first. He received two phone calls — one from the President of China, Xi Jinping, and one from PM Modi, telling him that neither China nor India independently approve of the war,” Bartoszewski said.
Recent Developments in Ceasefire Efforts
Russia has reportedly agreed to a temporary halt on striking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following discussions with President Donald Trump.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated:
“My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.”
Stance on Israel-Gaza Conflict
On the Israel-Gaza war, Bartoszewski condemned Israel’s recent airstrike in Gaza and called for a ceasefire and progress towards a two-state solution.
“We as Poland believe in a two-state solution there, and we would like a ceasefire and peace negotiations eventually leading to a two-state solution for which we have been striving for decades. It is a regrettable loss of life,” he added.
The developments reflect India’s growing diplomatic influence and PM Modi’s significant role in global peace efforts.