India Rejects NATO Chief’s Claim of Modi-Putin Call on Ukraine Strategy

India has firmly dismissed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy regarding the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed Rutte's statement as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless," emphasizing that no such conversation took place.

Mark Rutte said that US tariffs on India are significantly affecting Russia, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks answers from President Vladimir Putin about Moscow's Ukraine strategy. (File photo) | India Today

NATO Chief's Controversial Remarks

In an interview with CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mark Rutte claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports had prompted India to seek clarification from Russia on its approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rutte suggested that Prime Minister Modi had reached out to President Putin to inquire about Moscow's strategy in light of the economic measures.

India's Strong Rebuttal

Responding swiftly, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement categorically denying the alleged phone call. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place." The Ministry also criticized the remarks as "careless" and "speculative," urging NATO leadership to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements.

Context: U.S. Tariffs and India-Russia Relations

The controversy arises amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and India over trade policies. Last month, President Trump announced a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty targeting India's imports of Russian oil. The U.S. administration argued that such measures were necessary to discourage India from purchasing Russian energy, which they contend indirectly finances Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.

In the face of these economic pressures, India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for its consumers. The government emphasized that its energy imports are aligned with national interests and economic security, and that it will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard these priorities.

The MGMM Outlook

India has strongly refuted NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy in the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs described Rutte’s statement as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless,” stressing that no such conversation occurred. By swiftly countering these remarks, India conveyed its insistence on accurate reporting in international diplomacy and underscored the importance of protecting its national interests from speculative narratives.

The controversy emerges against the backdrop of rising tensions with the U.S. over trade policies, including the imposition of reciprocal tariffs and penalties on Indian imports, particularly targeting Russian oil. Despite these economic pressures, India maintains that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and economic security, rather than external influence. The situation highlights the delicate balancing act India faces in navigating complex global relationships, ensuring both energy stability for its citizens and adherence to sovereign decision-making in foreign policy.

(Sources: India Today, Times of India, NDTV)