India rejects NATO chief's claim on Modi-Putin talks

Amid pressure from the US, India on Friday defended its energy imports from Russia and has separately denied claims made by top leadership of NATO on PM Narendra Modi having called up Russian President Vladimir Putin asking about his Ukraine war strategy.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to a claim by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte 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.”

On energy imports, 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.”

Rutte on Thursday claimed that the tariffs imposed by the US have led to India asking Russia to explain its Ukraine war strategy. He claimed that Modi had spoken to Putin on the matter.

Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Rutte said: “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.”

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