(MENAFN) India has firmly dismissed a statement made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding a supposed phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rutte had alleged that Modi reached out to Putin after the United States imposed tariffs on Indian imports, seeking clarification on Russia’s strategy concerning Ukraine. However, New Delhi has labeled the assertion as entirely false.

During a press conference held on Friday, Indian Foreign Ministry representative Randhir Jaiswal described Rutte’s remarks as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless.”

His response came shortly after Rutte made the comments in an interview with a news agency.

According to Rutte, the U.S. President’s August decision to impose 50% duties on a wide range of Indian goods — including a 25% penalty specifically on Indian imports of Russian oil — led Modi to contact Putin.

Quoting Rutte, Amanpour reported: “Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi is asking him, ‘I support you, but could you explain me your strategy.’”

Jaiswal rejected the claim outright, clarifying that such a conversation never took place. “At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested,” he stated.

He further stressed that prominent institutions like NATO have a duty to uphold a higher level of precision and responsibility in their public comments.

The spokesperson also condemned “speculative or careless remarks” that “misrepresent” Modi’s diplomatic activities or imply dialogues that did not occur. Jaiswal emphasized that such statements are “unacceptable.”

Addressing the topic of India’s energy dealings, Jaiswal asserted that the country's oil imports are focused on ensuring stable and economical energy prices for domestic consumers.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to “continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

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