'Modi influenced Putin, helped avert Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine': Polish Minister

Speaking to ANI, Bartoszewski said India's decades-long relationship with Russia places New Delhi in a unique position to help advance peace efforts.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very well-known world statesman who is very respected. President Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him," he said.

'Modi can exert pressure on Putin'

The Polish minister said PM Modi is among a handful of leaders capable of influencing the Russian president at a time when communication between Moscow and much of the West has become increasingly strained.

"Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people who can actually exert some pressure and influence on President Putin, and that is clearly something India could do to help stop this conflict," Bartoszewski said.

He also referred to developments in late 2022, claiming that PM Modi had played a role in persuading Russia against using tactical nuclear weapons during the conflict.

According to Bartoszewski, appeals for restraint carry greater credibility when they come from countries Russia does not view as hostile.

"Everybody is against escalation, not only India with Prime Minister Modi but also China's Xi Jinping. It's important, especially when it comes from countries that are not seen as hostile to Russia. India's role here is crucial," he added.

Oil differences with India 'no longer a major issue'

Bartoszewski also said Poland and India have largely moved past their differences over New Delhi's imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

He acknowledged that Poland had earlier criticised India's purchases, arguing they indirectly supported Russia's wartime economy, but said Warsaw understood the economic rationale behind New Delhi's decision.

"We understood the economic reason for that because it was at a heavy discount, about 40 per cent less than the market price. We understood that, but it was fuelling the Russian war economy. So we had a different view on that," he said.

He added that both countries now have a better understanding of each other's positions and that the issue is no longer a major point of contention.

Putin recently backed India's independent foreign policy

The Polish minister's remarks come weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India's independent foreign policy and dismissed attempts by other countries to pressure New Delhi over its ties with Moscow.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said efforts to pressure India or Prime Minister Modi were counterproductive.

"Everyone has understood that putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India... is detrimental for international relations and for bilateral relations," Putin had said.

He added that Russia welcomed India's decision to pursue relations based on its own national interests, saying Moscow saw no negative consequences from New Delhi's independent approach to foreign policy.