Fri Sep 26 12:27:28 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**India Denounces NATO Chief’s “Baseless” Claims of Modi-Putin Conversation, Addresses US Tariff and Visa Concerns**

**NEW DELHI – September 26, 2025** – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong rebuke of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent remarks regarding a supposed phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal labeled Mr. Rutte’s statements as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless.”

Mr. Rutte, during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Thursday, suggested that newly imposed US tariffs on India’s Russian crude oil purchases had prompted PM Modi to question President Putin’s strategy. The MEA firmly denied that any such conversation took place.

“We expect the leadership of an important institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements,” stated Mr. Jaiswal. “Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable.”

Mr. Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to securing affordable energy for its consumers and affirmed the nation’s intention to take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.

The MEA spokesperson also provided details regarding discussions between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22nd. The focus of these talks centered on India-U.S. bilateral trade and the recent increase in tariffs imposed by the United States. These discussions also included Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Furthermore, the Indian side is actively engaged with the U.S. administration regarding the significant hike in H-1B visa fees, which now amount to $100,000 per application. The issue was addressed during the meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio.

This statement comes as the world watches to see how US trade policy will affect countries all over the world.

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