Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, stated on Wednesday that the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “may be helpful” in negotiating an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Bartoszewski acknowledged that while Modi’s rapport with Putin could play a role in future diplomatic efforts, he believes that former U.S. President Donald Trump currently has the most influence over the Russian leader.
“I think a mediator is welcomed. President Putin does talk to Prime Minister Modi, so that may be at some stage very helpful. But at the moment, I think the only person who has any leeway with President Putin is President Trump. It is better to leave it to one person and see what happens,” Bartoszewski told ANI.
He also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s role in preventing Russia from deploying tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. According to Bartoszewski, Putin had initially threatened nuclear escalation, but phone calls from both Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly persuaded him to reconsider.
“President Putin was threatening to use tactical nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory. The Americans warned him, but that alone didn’t necessarily persuade him. However, he received calls from President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi, making it clear that neither China nor India approved of the war,” he said.
In a separate development, Russia has reportedly agreed to a temporary halt in attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following discussions with Donald Trump. The former U.S. president, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, described his conversation with Putin as “very good and productive,” stating that an immediate ceasefire on energy and infrastructure targets had been agreed upon.
Trump added that efforts were underway to reach a “Complete Ceasefire” and bring an end to the war.
On the Israel-Gaza conflict, Bartoszewski also condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire.
“We in Poland believe in a two-state solution and want peace negotiations leading to that outcome. The loss of life is regrettable,” he said.
The ongoing discussions highlight India’s growing diplomatic influence, as global leaders recognize New Delhi’s role in shaping geopolitical outcomes.
