India slams NATO chief for false claim on Modi-Putin Ukraine call

New Delhi: India has strongly dismissed claims made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain his Ukraine war strategy because of American tariffs. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the remarks “factually incorrect and entirely baseless,” stressing that no such conversation ever took place.

What did India say in its response?

In a statement issued on Friday, the MEA made it clear that Rutte’s claim was false.

“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 said.

The MEA also called on the NATO chief to act more carefully in the future.

“We expect the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements. Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable,” it added.

What did Mark Rutte claim?

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Rutte had linked Washington’s trade measures to India’s engagement with Russia.

He said that tariffs imposed by the United States were having a “big impact” on Russia and claimed that “Delhi was on the phone with Putin, and Narendra Modi was asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India was being hit with tariffs.”

How has India defended its energy policy?

Reiterating its long-standing position, India underlined that its energy imports serve its citizens’ economic needs.

“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,” the government said.

What role do US tariffs play?

Last month, US President Donald Trump announced new measures against India. These included a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25 per cent penalty on imports of Russian oil. Washington argued that India’s purchase of Russian energy indirectly financed Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Trump has urged NATO members to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and align tariffs on China, warning that “partial compliance only weakens the alliance’s position.” He has also hinted at “major sanctions” on Russia if NATO members collectively stop purchasing Russian oil.

How has India viewed the US move?

New Delhi has criticised the tariffs as unfair. Officials have emphasised that Russian oil is crucial for keeping energy affordable for India’s 1.4 billion people, especially amid global supply disruptions. The MEA has also highlighted that several NATO members and the European Union continue to trade substantially with Russia, without facing the same pressures as India.

(With agency inputs)