NATO Chief Claims Modi Pressed Putin on Ukraine as US Tariffs Hit India

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has suggested that the United States’ steep tariffs on India have pushed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly question Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow’s Ukraine strategy. His remarks, made during an interview with CNN at the UN General Assembly in New York, signal growing global attention on India’s balancing act between Washington and Moscow.

Rutte said President Donald Trump’s trade measures were having ripple effects beyond commerce. “Trump’s tariffs on India are having a big impact on Russia. Delhi is on the phone with Putin, and Narendra Modi is asking him to explain his strategy on Ukraine because India is being hit with tariffs,” he remarked.

Last month, the Trump administration imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports to the US, alongside another 25% penalty specifically targeting imports of Russian oil. Washington argued that New Delhi’s continued reliance on discounted Russian crude helps bankroll Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

India has rejected these accusations, calling the tariffs “unjustified” and defending its energy purchases as vital to maintaining affordable supplies for its population. Officials also highlighted what they see as double standards, pointing out that European countries and NATO allies continue significant trade with Russia without facing similar punitive measures.

The tariff standoff comes at a delicate time in India-US relations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently led a delegation to New York to negotiate on trade barriers, while both sides attempt to safeguard wider economic and strategic cooperation.

Despite the frictions, both leaders have sought to project warmth publicly. Trump referred to Modi as a “very good friend,” while Modi expressed optimism that dialogue would “unlock limitless potential” in bilateral ties.