The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed as “entirely baseless” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to “explain his strategy” on Ukraine following U.S. sanctions on India for its Russian oil purchases.

In a statement, the MEA underscored that such speculative remarks about “conversations that never occurred” are unacceptable and called on NATO leadership to exercise greater responsibility when making public statements.

‘Incorrect’ Claim

The ministry said, “We have seen NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s statement regarding an alleged phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin. The claim is factually incorrect and entirely unfounded. At no time has Prime Minis

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