Poland’s deputy foreign minister, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, disclosed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to resort to tactical nuclear strikes during the initial months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In an interview, Bartoszewski expressed gratitude for India’s diplomatic intervention, highlighting Modi’s pivotal role in encouraging restraint. He emphasized that Poland values India’s proactive engagement, especially after Modi’s historic visit to Warsaw in August 2024—the first by an Indian PM in 45 years.

The minister recalled that during Modi’s meeting with Putin in Moscow in July 2024, the Indian leader utilized his strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine to advocate for peace. Bartoszewski noted that Modi’s appeal to avoid nuclear escalation was crucial in the fragile early phase of the war.

Reinforcing this, Modi reiterated his position in a podcast with Lex Fridman, stating bluntly, “Now is not the time for war.” He conveyed that real solutions lie in negotiation, not warfare, and advised both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to prioritize dialogue over destruction.

The threat of nuclear weapons has lingered since 2022, with Putin and his allies making multiple statements suggesting possible nuclear use. However, Western analysts remain divided on whether these are genuine intentions or intimidation tactics.

Bartoszewski concluded by emphasizing Poland’s desire for long-lasting peace in Ukraine, not just temporary ceasefires that could reignite hostilities.