The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rebuked NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for what it termed a “factually incorrect and entirely baseless” statement regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The controversy erupted after Mark Rutte made public remarks claiming that PM Modi had confronted President Putin about his strategy in the Ukraine war.
MEA Issues Firm Denial of Conversation
The MEA’s official statement left no ambiguity regarding Rutte’s claims:
“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 expressed strong disapproval of the NATO chief’s remarks, cautioning that leaders of major international institutions must exercise “greater responsibility and accuracy” in their public comments.
“Speculative or careless statements that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable,” the MEA added.
NATO Chief’s Allegations
Mark Rutte made the controversial claims while speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. He alleged that “Delhi is on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow,” and claimed that PM Modi had pressed the Russian President to explain his rationale behind the Ukraine strategy.
Rutte’s statement also suggested that India had raised concerns about the steep 50% tariffs recently imposed by US President Donald Trump, linking the tariffs on Indian goods to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. He remarked that “Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia.”
India Reaffirms Energy Security and Tariff Stance
The NATO Chief’s comments came as India is grappling with escalating tariff tensions with the United States. Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports to 50%—a levy allegedly linked to India’s Russian oil imports—was denounced by New Delhi as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
The MEA reiterated India’s consistent position on its energy policy, stressing that the country’s decisions are driven purely by national interest and economic necessity:
“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.”
Despite ongoing negotiations between the two nations, the dispute over trade barriers remains unresolved.