New Delhi: India on Friday dismissed as “baseless” remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow’s Ukraine war strategy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also defended India’s continued energy imports from Russia, emphasizing that they serve the national interest.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal categorically rejected Rutte’s comments, saying, “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.” He urged leaders of key international institutions to exercise “greater responsibility and accuracy” in their public remarks, calling it unacceptable to misrepresent India’s diplomatic engagements.
Rutte had earlier claimed, during an interview with CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, that U.S. tariffs on India had prompted Delhi to seek explanations from Moscow about its strategy in Ukraine. According to him, “Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia. Delhi is on the phone with Putin, and Modi is asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India is being hit with tariffs.”
Responding to questions on India’s continued energy imports from Russia, Jaiswal said these were guided solely by domestic needs. “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,” he said.
The controversy comes amid heightened global scrutiny of India’s ties with Moscow, with Western powers pressing New Delhi to reduce energy purchases from Russia. India, however, has consistently maintained that its decisions are based on economic and strategic considerations rather than external pressure.
