The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied NATO Chief Mark Rutte’s remarks suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss strategy on Ukraine. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a sharp rebuttal on Friday, calling the comments “factually incorrect,” “entirely baseless,” and “careless and speculative.”
MEA’s strong rebuttal
In the official statement, Jaiswal clarified that no such conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin took place in the manner suggested. He urged leaders of international organisations to show greater responsibility while making public statements on sensitive geopolitical issues.
“The Prime Minister has not spoken to President Putin in the manner described. Such careless speculation only undermines serious diplomatic efforts,” Jaiswal said.
What Rutte had claimed
Earlier this week, during his remarks at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, NATO chief Mark Rutte suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India were indirectly affecting Russia. He went on to claim that “Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi is asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine.”
The MEA quickly moved to counter this statement, underscoring India’s longstanding commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy without external pressure or misrepresentation.
India’s independent stance
India has consistently maintained that it takes an autonomous position on global conflicts, including the Ukraine war, focusing on dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation. Officials highlighted that such speculative remarks not only misrepresent India’s role but also risk damaging constructive global engagements.
This is not the first time India has dismissed claims linking its diplomatic actions to external influences. The MEA reiterated that India’s foreign policy decisions are guided by its national interest and responsible global engagement, not by pressure from third parties.
Context of global scrutiny
The clarification comes at a time of intense international focus on India’s relations with both the United States and Russia. With the Ukraine conflict still dominating global diplomacy, India’s position is closely watched for its balancing act between major powers.
Experts note that India’s emphasis on neutrality and constructive engagement has allowed it to maintain stable relations with all sides, while avoiding entanglement in speculative narratives.
Conclusion
By swiftly rejecting NATO chief Rutte’s claim, the MEA reinforced India’s message that its diplomatic path is self-determined. The statement sends a signal to the international community that speculation on India’s foreign policy will not be tolerated, particularly on issues as sensitive as the Ukraine conflict.