Indeed I have tried this many a times with my Tractor ( International B-275 with glow plugs ) and later with my jeep with a Toyota 2C engine and now one with my neighours Indica Car.
It always works and the only advise my mechanic had given was to avoid letting too much petrol getting into the engine. As it could damage the engine parts originally designed to work with diesel only.
The idea is to ignite the fuel and once there is ignition the diesel will do the rest of job.
Infact, it is not new to start diesel machinary with petrol initially. DT-28 Tractor ( imported in India in late 50s ) actually have a carburetter attached to the head for starting the tractor engine on petrol and then it shifts to diesel.
And why to forget all the kerosene run small Gensets which get petrol dose before rope cranking. ( Yamaha, Honda etc )