India rejects NATO claims on Modi-Putin talks, defends energy imports from Russia
PTC Web Desk: Amid mounting pressure from the United States, India on Friday firmly defended its energy imports from Russia and dismissed allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine’s conflict.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the claims made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless.” Jaiswal emphasised, “At no point has Prime Minister Modi had any conversation with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such discussion has taken place.”
Regarding energy imports, Jaiswal stated, “India’s energy purchases are aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable costs for Indian consumers. The government will continue to take all necessary steps to protect the nation’s economic security and strategic interests.”
Rutte had alleged that US tariffs on India prompted Delhi to seek clarification from Russia on its Ukraine strategy. Speaking to CNN during the UN General Assembly in New York, he claimed, “Trump’s tariffs on India are affecting Russia. India is on the phone with Putin, and Modi is asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India is being impacted by tariffs.”
Jaiswal responded by urging NATO leadership to exercise “greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements,” adding that “speculative or careless remarks misrepresenting the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggesting conversations that never took place are unacceptable.”
- With inputs from agencies
