India’s MEA Defends Nation Amid Concerns on Press Freedom During Modi’s Norway Visit
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has responded robustly to criticisms regarding press freedom and human rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway. Officials claimed that many international observers lack a nuanced understanding of India’s scale and complexity, often relying on reports from what they termed “ignorant NGOs.”
This statement followed an incident in which Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng alleged that PM Modi did not address her question during a media interaction alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. Lyng referred to India’s low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, currently placed at 157th, and questioned, “why should we trust India?”
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George reaffirmed India’s commitment to democratic institutions and constitutional rights during a press briefing. He stated, “We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world,” emphasizing the country’s constitutional guarantees and equal rights for women. He further highlighted the complexity of India’s media landscape, mentioning that Delhi alone boasts approximately 200 TV channels broadcasting in various languages.
George criticized international commentary, asserting that opinions are often formed without fully understanding India’s extensive media ecosystem. “People read one or two reports from some ill-informed NGOs and then come and ask questions,” he said, underscoring the country’s historical commitment to democracy since gaining independence in 1947.
The controversy was sparked when Lyng attempted to question PM Modi as he exited the press event. She later shared a video of the encounter on social media, expressing her disappointment at not being able to ask her question. However, the Indian Embassy in Norway offered her a chance to participate in an official press briefing later that evening.
Joyfully, Lyng expressed frustration regarding the lack of interaction for Indian journalists during the visit. Additionally, opposition leaders within India have capitalized on the situation, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi commenting, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear” and questioning the implications for India’s global image.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya defended PM Modi, pointing out that the Norwegian Prime Minister also refrained from taking questions during the joint press briefing. Malviya characterized the criticism from the opposition as unconstructive, suggesting that it arose from a faction unwilling to see a strong India.
PM Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday as part of a six-day, five-nation tour to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit and conduct bilateral discussions with Nordic leaders.
