India Slams NATO Chief’s False Statement on Modi-Putin Communication

India has strongly criticized NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for making a false statement about a purported phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte claimed that Modi sought to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, influenced by US tariffs. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a swift rebuttal, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling Rutte’s remarks completely inaccurate and unsubstantiated. Jaiswal confirmed that no such dialogue occurred. The Ministry expressed disappointment over the NATO Chief’s statement, urging more responsible public pronouncements and highlighting India’s focus on national interests and economic security when making decisions on energy imports.