New Delhi, Sep 26 (UNI) India today slammed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for mockingly speaking about PM Modi phoning Russian President Vladimir Putin over the US tariffs, terming it as factually incorrect and said it expects the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering a query on the issue, rejected the NATO chief’s utterances.
“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. At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place.
“We expect 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,” he said.
The NATO chief, asked whether US tariffs have had an effect on India with regard to the Ukraine conflict, said in a mocking tone: “The big one (tariff) immediately impacts Russia. Because that means Delhi is on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi asks him, ‘Hey I support you, but could you explain to me this strategy? Because now I have been hit by the 50 percent tariffs by the US. So, President Trump is implementing what he says,” Rutte said.
The MEA spokesperson also reiterated India’s stand on Russian oil purchases, saying: “As previously stated, India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
Last month, the Trump administration slapped 50 percent tariffs on India, including an additional 25 percent for India’s purchases of Russian oil, which he said was funding the Ukraine conflict. US President Trump had reiterated the claim in his address to the UNGA earlier this week.
