The Indian government has issued a strong denial of statements made by NATO Chief Mark Rutte regarding a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte had suggested that Modi contacted Putin to inquire about a plan to end the war in Ukraine, allegedly influenced by US tariffs. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, labeled Rutte’s comments as entirely false and unfounded, clarifying that no such communication took place. The MEA also expressed its expectation that NATO would exercise greater responsibility in its public statements, particularly regarding sensitive diplomatic matters. India’s energy import decisions are based on considerations of national interest and economic security.
