PM Modi’s intervention averted nuclear war between Russia and Ukraine : US
Washington (USA) – The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine for the past two years nearly escalated to a nuclear conflict in 2022. According to two US officials, Russian President Putin was considering using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, but Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi persuaded him against this.
1. This claim has been reported by CNN, citing senior officials who noted that the influence of countries Putin listens to (like India) was sought to prevent nuclear war. The public statements made by Modi and others, reportedly helped avert the crisis.
2. In the second half of 2022, the US had information that Russia might launch a nuclear attack. Ukrainian forces were advancing in Kherson, a Russian-held region in the south, putting significant pressure on Russian military forces. Discussions in the US administration indicated that the situation in Kherson could lead to a nuclear strike. Following this, the US sought assistance from India and other countries.
3. During last year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan, PM Modi told President Putin that this is not an era of war.