New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) India expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the tariffs imposed by the United States, labeling the statement as "factually incorrect" and "entirely baseless".

"We have seen the statement by NATO Secretary-General Mr. Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This 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," stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

"We expect the leadership of an important and esteemed 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 added.

While addressing CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour at the UN General Assembly summit in New York, Rutte claimed that the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India regarding Russian oil imports are notably impacting Moscow.

The former Prime Minister of the Netherlands mentioned that amid the US-imposed 50% tariffs on India, Prime Minister Modi had supposedly reached out to Putin to clarify his strategy concerning Ukraine.

"This (tariff) immediately impacts Russia because that means Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi is asking him, 'I support you, but could you explain to me your strategy because I have now been hit by these 50% tariffs by the United States'," Rutte told Amanpour.

Responding to the NATO chief's comments, the MEA reiterated on Friday that India would continue to make independent decisions regarding energy.

"As previously stated, India's energy imports are aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," Jaiswal asserted.

India has previously warned the NATO chief against any 'double standards' regarding sanctions on countries trading with Russia.

In July, Rutte had indicated that China, India, and Brazil could face severe economic sanctions if they maintain business ties with Russia.

"We have seen reports on the subject and are closely monitoring the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by market availability and prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," Jaiswal had stated during a regular media briefing on July 17.