The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain his strategy on Ukraine "because India is being hit with tariffs."
However, the Indian government clapped back at Rutte, saying the statement is incorrect, baseless and unacceptable.
Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (September 26, 2025)
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2025
https://t.co/XC8cEDBxIX
"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 MEA stated, calling the remarks "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," added the statement.
The MEA said the leadership of an important institution like NATO is expected to responsible and accurate in public statements. It said that it unacceptable to make "speculative or careless remarks" that misrepresent PM Modi's engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable.
The ministry reiterated that India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the consumers in the country. The Centre also asserted that India will continue adopt measures to protect its national interests and economic security.
