NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized NATO chief Mark Rutte on Friday for his assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin following recent tariffs imposed by the United States. The MEA dismissed Rutte’s statement as “factually incorrect” and “entirely baseless.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that “at no point has PM Modi spoken to Putin in the manner suggested,” adding that comments from a leader of such a significant organization should reflect greater responsibility. He characterized Rutte’s remarks as “speculative and careless.”
Previously, Rutte supported U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs impacting India, asserting that these measures had repercussions for the war in Ukraine. He claimed that after Trump’s actions, PM Modi reached out to Putin to discuss the latter’s strategy regarding Ukraine in the context of the tariffs.
While attending the United Nations General Assembly, Rutte was asked whether Trump would impose additional sanctions, considering his history of extending deadlines. Rutte stated, “He already did. We have seen… the big one on India.” He expanded, noting that these developments had immediate effects on Russia, suggesting that “Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir, Vladimir with Putin in Moscow,” indicating Modi’s inquiry into Putin’s plans amid the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
