MEA refutes NATO claim on Modi calling Putin over Ukraine war strategy

Amid pressure from the US, India on Friday defended its energy imports from Russia and separately denied claims made by senior leadership of NATO that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called up Russian President Vladimir Putin to ask about his Ukraine war strategy.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal refuted a claim by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, saying, “The statement is factually incorrect and entirely baseless. At no point has PM Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place.”

Jaiswal said, “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.”

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the Western military alliance, had claimed on Thursday that tariffs imposed by the US had led to India asking Russia to explain its Ukraine war strategy. He claimed PM Modi had spoken directly with Russian President Putin on the matter.

Jaiswal said India expected the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements. “Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the PM’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable.”