The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly dismissed remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin over his Ukraine strategy during a phone call.
In a sharply worded statement, the MEA said, “We have seen the statement by NATO Secretary-General Mr. Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. The statement is factually incorrect and entirely baseless. At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place."
The ministry cautioned that leaders of major international institutions must exercise “greater responsibility and accuracy" in their public remarks.
“Speculative or careless statements that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable," it added.
NATO Chief’s Claim
Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mark Rutte alleged that “Delhi is on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow," claiming that PM Modi had pressed Vladimir Putin to explain Russia’s Ukraine strategy. He further suggested that India had raised concerns about the steep 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, saying these measures were hurting both India and Russia.
“Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia," Mark Rutte said.
India-US Tariff Tensions
The remarks came against the backdrop of Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties to 50%, including an additional levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. While the Donald Trump administration described the move as part of efforts to step up pressure on Moscow, New Delhi denounced it as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."
Despite ongoing negotiations between India and the United States to reduce trade barriers, the tariff dispute remains unresolved.
Reiterating its energy security position, the MEA stressed that India’s oil imports are driven by national interest, “As previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security."
