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

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