India firmly pushed back against concerns over press freedom and human rights raised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oslo, with a senior Ministry of External Affairs official describing certain international NGO reports as “ignorant” and lacking an understanding of India’s scale and diversity.
The remarks came during a media interaction in Norway, where a journalist questioned India’s democratic credentials and asked why the country should be trusted on issues related to media freedom and minority rights.
Responding to the query, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s constitutional framework and democratic institutions. He said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and provides legal remedies for citizens if those rights are violated.
“We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world,” the diplomat said while stressing that India believes in equality, human rights and the rule of law.
He also highlighted the size and diversity of India’s media ecosystem, pointing to the large number of television channels and multilingual news coverage operating across the country. According to him, many foreign observers fail to fully understand India’s complexity and instead rely on selective reports published by NGOs.
The exchange took place during PM Modi’s Norway visit, where he held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on trade, green technology, blue economy and investment cooperation.
The sharp response from the Indian side also followed recent criticism reportedly linked to remarks from Dutch political leaders concerning press freedom and minority rights in India. New Delhi had rejected those observations as well, calling India a vibrant democracy with strong constitutional protections.
India highlights democratic framework during Norway visit
During the interaction, the Indian diplomat reiterated that the country follows the rule of law and maintains democratic accountability through courts and constitutional mechanisms. He said India’s diversity and scale often make it difficult for outsiders to fully understand domestic debates and governance challenges.
PM Modi’s Norway visit is part of broader diplomatic engagements with Nordic countries aimed at strengthening partnerships in trade, clean energy, technology and maritime sectors.
