Delhi, July 16 -- Former Indian diplomat KB Fabian on Wednesday slammed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte over his warning of possible secondary sanctions on India, China, and Brazil for maintaining trade ties with Russia, saying Rutte was "speaking out of turn" and "talking through his hat," as he has no authority to impose such sanctions.

"No, neither personally nor his office can do that," Fabian said, referring to Rutte's comments. "The NATO Secretary-General has been talking through his hat. He said he will impose sanctions. No, neither personally nor his office can do that," he added.

Fabian said only US President Donald Trump could announce such measures, and even then, his decision-making is questionable. "Trump has taken the li...