‘Incorrect and entirely baseless’: India rejects Nato chief’s claim on Modi-Putin call

India on Thursday strongly rejected remarks made by Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin about his strategy in Ukraine during a phone conversation.

#WATCH | Delhi | MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have seen the statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This statement is… pic.twitter.com/cuWzj3SeoB

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

“We have seen the statement by Nato Secretary-General Mr. Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. 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,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing.

He said that leaders of major international organisations should demonstrate “greater responsibility and precision” in their public statements

“Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagement or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable,” he added.

Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Rutte alleged that “Delhi is on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow,” claiming that PM Modi had pressed President Putin to explain Russia’s Ukraine strategy.

He further suggested that India had raised concerns about the steep 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, saying these measures were hurting both India and Russia.

“Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia,” CNN quoted Rutte as saying.

The remarks came against the backdrop of Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties to 50%, including an additional levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

While the Trump administration described the move as part of efforts to step up pressure on Moscow, New Delhi denounced it as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

Despite ongoing negotiations between India and the United States to reduce trade barriers, the tariff dispute remains unresolved.

Meanwhile, reiterating India’s stance on energy policy, Jaiswal said, “As previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure a predictable and affordable energy cost to the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security…”

On the meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and President Trump, Jaiswal said, “We have taken note of those meetings.”

Reaffirming India’s consistent position on bilateral issues with Pakistan, Jaiswal emphasised, “There is no space for third-party mediation in India-Pakistan bilateral issues.”

In response to Turkish President Erdogan once again raising the Kashmir issue in an international forum, the MEA reiterated, “Our statement on Kashmir is clear. Everyone is aware of our position over the last 10 years… Regarding North Cyprus, our Foreign Minister met with the Cyprus Foreign Minister… The Foreign Minister stated that there should be a comprehensive and lasting settlement in accordance with the agreed UN framework…”

With inputs from agencies