September 26, 2025

In a fiery response on Friday, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) put NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on notice. Rutte had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about US sanctions, but the MEA said this story is nothing but a big fib! MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "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." Rutte’s statement suggested that amid the tough US tariffs targeting Russia, Delhi had contacted Moscow to discuss the situation. Quoting Rutte, he said, "I am talking about 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? Because I have now been hit by these 50% tariffs by the US." But the MEA was quick to slam this: "At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place." The MEA also expressed disappointment with NATO leadership, saying, "India expects the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements. Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable." So, folks, no secret calls between Modi and Putin happened as per these wild claims. India asks for more careful words and respect while discussing sensitive international ties. The MEA’s sharp rebuttal clarifies the air and puts an end to baseless rumors flying around the globe.

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Prime minister narendra modi, Vladimir putin, Nato secretary rutte, Mea clarification, India-russia relations,