MEA Rejects NATO Secretary-General’s Claim on Modi-Putin Conversation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically dismissed remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin over his Ukraine strategy during a phone call.

In a strongly 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 further emphasized that leaders of major international institutions must exercise “greater responsibility and accuracy” in their public statements. “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 asserted that “Delhi is on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow,” claiming that PM Modi had pressed Putin to explain Russia’s strategy in Ukraine. He also suggested that India had raised concerns over steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, arguing that these measures were negatively affecting both India and Russia.

“Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia,” Rutte reportedly stated.

India-US Tariff Tensions

The comments come amid Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties to 50%, including additional levies linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. While the Trump administration described the move as part of efforts to increase pressure on Moscow, New Delhi condemned it as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

Despite ongoing negotiations between India and the United States to address trade barriers, the tariff dispute remains unresolved.

Reaffirming India’s stance on energy security, the MEA stressed that oil imports are guided by national interest: “As previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”