Amid pressure from the US, India on Friday defended its energy imports from Russia and separately denied claims made by senior leadership of NATO that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called up Russian President Vladimir Putin to ask about his Ukraine war strategy.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal refuted a claim by NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte saying, “The statement is factually incorrect and entirely baseless. At no point has PM Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner suggested. No such conversation has taken place.”

Jaiswal said, “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.”

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