New Delhi has issued a strong denial, branding as ‘entirely baseless’ recent assertions by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The NATO chief had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow’s strategy in Ukraine, allegedly spurred by the impact of Washington’s punitive tariffs on India.
Speaking on the matter, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal unequivocally stated that such ‘speculative or careless’ remarks, which distort Mr. Modi’s interactions or fabricate conversations, are ‘unacceptable.’ He further clarified that ‘at no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place.’
Mr. Rutte made his controversial statements during an interview with CNN, conducted on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. He alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India were significantly affecting Russia, and that, consequently, India was engaging with Putin, with Modi reportedly ‘asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India is being hit with tariffs.’
In response, Mr. Jaiswal urged greater accountability from key international bodies. ‘We expect the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements,’ he emphasized.
Regarding India’s energy acquisitions, Mr. Jaiswal reiterated that these are undertaken to guarantee stable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. He concluded by asserting India’s commitment: ‘India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.’