'We are proud democracy': MEA vs Norwegian press during PM Modi's 4th leg of five-nation tour

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) strongly pushed back against questions on press freedom and human rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, saying many international observers fail to understand the scale and complexity of the country and rely on reports published by "ignorant NGOs".

The remarks came after a Norwegian journalist publicly claimed that PM Modi did not take her question during a media interaction alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo.


The journalist also referred to India’s position in the World Press Freedom Index and criticised the lack of questions during the press appearance, saying "why should we trust India?"

'1/6th of world's population but not 1/6th of world's problems': MEA

Responding to the questions, MEA secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic institutions and constitutional framework.

"We hear a lot of people asking why this, why that, but let me tell you this. We are one sixth of the total population of the world, but not one sixth of the problems of the world," he said during a press briefing.

"We have a constitution which guarantees the fundamental rights of the people. We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important," he added.

Also read: 'No understanding': MEA secretary’s pointed response to Norway reporter; 'ignorant NGOs' retort

'People have no understanding of the scale of India'

The MEA official also criticised international commentary on India, saying many people form opinions without understanding the country’s vast media ecosystem.

"You know how many stories are up here. We have how many breaking news coming every day in the evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in the English language, in Hindi language and multiple languages," George said.

"People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding. They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions," he added.

"In 1947 we gave the freedom to vote to our women. We got the freedom together and got the right to vote from day one. I know many countries where voting rights for women came after several decades. We believe in equality; We believe in human rights. If anyone whose rights are violated, they have the right to go to court. We are proud to be a democracy," he said.

What may have triggered the controversy

The controversy erupted after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng questioned PM Modi as he was leaving the hall after delivering media statements with PM Støre.

Later, Lyng shared a video of the moment on X stating, "Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to."

She also referred to India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, saying, "Norway has the number one spot" while "India is at 157th."

However, the Indian Embassy in Norway responded to her post and invited her to attend an official press briefing later in the evening.

"The Embassy is organising a press briefing on the Prime Minister's Visit this evening at 9.30pm at hotel Radisson BluPlaza hotel. You are most welcome to come and ask your questions there," the embassy said.

Lyng also posted saying she was "very disappointed that the prime minister of Norway did not include time today for the Indian reporters."

Norwegian PM also didn’t take any questions: BJP

The episode also sparked a political row, with opposition leaders targeting PM Modi over the joint media interaction. Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at the Prime Minister, saying, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.”

Sharing the video on X, Rahul said, "What happens to India's image when the world sees a compromised PM panic and run from a few questions?"


Also read: 'World sees PM panic': Rahul Gandhi on video of Norwegian journalist asking PM Modi to answer questions - video

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also targeted PM Modi over his interactions with European leaders during the visit, asking "What bogus gyaan is the self-styled but thoroughly exposed Vishwaguru giving to the Dutch PM who actually called him out?"


Responding to the criticism, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya defended PM Modi and pointed out that the Norwegian Prime Minister too did not take questions during the joint press briefing.

Sharing a post on X, Malviya said, "The Norwegian Prime Minister also didn’t take any questions at the joint press briefing of the two leaders."

"But the lunatic Congress ecosystem led by Rahul Gandhi is crowing over a delinquent journalist’s incoherent rant. One wonders if, like the journalist in question, the Congress leadership is also on the take of those who do not want to see a strong and powerful India," he added.

PM Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday as part of his six-day, five-nation tour to attend the third India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral talks with Nordic leaders.