The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted claims made by NATO chief Mark Rutte regarding a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte suggested that Modi contacted Putin following the imposition of tariffs by the United States. In response, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described Rutte's statement as "factually incorrect" and "entirely baseless."

Jaiswal emphasized, "At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place." He further urged NATO, as a significant institution, to ensure greater responsibility and accuracy in its public statements.

Rutte had earlier supported U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on India, claiming they impacted the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stated that Modi reached out to Putin to discuss the situation after the tariffs were announced. Rutte remarked, "Yes, but I’m talking about on Russia. This immediately impacts Russia because that means that Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir, Vladimir with Putin in Moscow and Narendra Modi asking, hey, I support you, but again, could you explain to me this strategy?"

The MEA's response highlights the importance of accurate communication regarding diplomatic engagements, especially from influential global leaders.