Fri Sep 26 11:47:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided information:
**Summary:**
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now questioning Russian President Vladimir Putin about his strategy in Ukraine, referencing a past instance where Donald Trump penalized India for buying Russian oil. The Indian government has refuted Rutte’s claim, calling it baseless.
**News Article:**
**India Denies NATO Chief’s Claim of Modi Questioning Putin on Ukraine**
**New Delhi, India** – The Indian government has strongly denied claims made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin for answers regarding his strategy in Ukraine. Rutte reportedly alluded to a past incident where then-US President Donald Trump imposed penalties on India for purchasing Russian oil, suggesting this has led to a shift in Modi’s stance.
“The statement made by the NATO Secretary General is completely baseless and inaccurate,” a source within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs told reporters. “Prime Minister Modi has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, but the suggestion that he is now demanding explanations from President Putin is simply false.”
The denial comes amidst ongoing global scrutiny of India’s relationship with Russia in the context of the Ukraine war. India has maintained a neutral stance, abstaining from votes condemning Russia at the United Nations and continuing to purchase Russian oil, albeit within acceptable limits under current international sanctions.
The government source did not elaborate on whether any recent communication had taken place between Modi and Putin, but reiterated India’s commitment to fostering a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.
The NATO Secretary General’s office has yet to respond to requests for clarification following the Indian government’s denial.
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