Ukrainian lawmaker Sviatoslav Yurash has also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having an impact on Russia's decision to hold back on using nuclear weapons.
During an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 on Monday, Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister and Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski praised India's diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. He disclosed that PM Modi had effectively persuaded Russian President Vladimir Putin from deploying tactical nuclear weapons.
We had a great visit by PM Modi to Warsaw. He was able to convince Putin not to use nuclear tactical weapons. Our goal is to build durable, stable, and sustainable peace in Ukraine," Bartoszewski said.
PM Modi also spoke of the issue in his recent podcast with Lex Fridman, released on Sunday, where he emphasized his stand on peace. "I have always believed that I am a person who believes in peace. I am not in the middle. I have taken a clear stand, and it is peace, which I continuously strive for," he asserted.
Reiterating the same thing, Yurash recognized Modi's key role and the prospects of further input. "PM Modi has played a very important role, and he can keep doing it."
Ukraine wants peace—nobody cares more about it than us, he added. He even pointed out Ukraine's previous choice to get rid of its nuclear weapons in favor of security guarantees. "India is a global power, and its point of view is significant. Only India has appealed to Russia not to use nuclear weapons," Yurash said.
Yurash also emphasized India's participation. "The visit of PM Modi was deeply meaningful. He is a critical figure, and deepening relationships with India are key," he said.
Modi explained his diplomacy strategy as, "I have close contacts with both Russia and Ukraine.". I can personally inform President Putin that war is not the solution, as I can honestly advise President Zelensky that no matter how much support the world gives, a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. Real solution will only be possible when both countries are at the negotiating table. While Ukraine is negotiating with its allies, the negotiations will not be fruitful unless Russia is also included.
The Prime Minister emphasized that today's international context offers a window of opportunity for fruitful discussion. "The hardship has been massive—not only for the warring nations but for the Global South as well, which has had to endure crises involving food, fuel, and fertilizer. The world needs the international community to unite in its quest for peace," he emphasized.
Emphasizing India's long history of devotion to non-violence, Modi stated, "I am from a nation which is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi—men whose lives and teachings are devoted to peace. That is why, whenever India talks of peace, the world listens. We are not a country which looks for war; we look for harmony. We do not fight wars against nature, nor do we encourage conflict between nations.". Wherever we are able to help as peacemakers, we gladly take up that task."
Looking at the changing character of international conflicts, Modi pointed out, "Modern wars are no longer mere resource or interest wars. Conflicts assume a variety of forms, not merely physical combat. A development-based approach is the way ahead. Expansionism cannot work anymore. The world is extremely interdependent and interconnected—each country is dependent on another, and all cannot exist separately.". Of all the international forums I visit, there is one thing that is certain: there is great concern about persistent conflicts. Only hope that peace returns as early as possible."
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