• Source:JND
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India has strongly responded to questions raised by Nordic journalists about press freedom and human rights in India. The exchange took place during a media interaction on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s European tour on Monday.

India Responds Sharply

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West), Sibi George defended India’s democratic system and constitutional values after a Norwegian journalist questioned why other countries should trust India. “We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world. We have a constitution which guarantees the fundamental rights of the people,” he said while speaking to reporters.

MEA Defends India’s Human Rights Record 

He emphasised that India’s Constitution gives equal rights to all citizens and allows people to go to court if their rights are violated. He also highlighted women’s rights and democratic freedoms in the country. “We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important...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,” George added.

Norway Press Meet Turns Tense 

The tense moment happened after journalists in the press room raised questions about civil liberties and press access in India. As PM Modi left the stage after an event with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, a local journalist shouted, “Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?”

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When reporters continued asking why foreign nations should trust India’s democratic values, George firmly responded and asked them not to interrupt him. “Let me answer the question, please don’t interrupt me,” George said. “You asked a question; this is my press conference. You asked why a country should trust India. Let me answer that,” he added.

During the briefing, George further criticised some Western reports and NGOs for what he described as a lack of understanding about India’s size and diversity. “People have no understanding of the scale of India. They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions,” he remarked.

He pointed to India’s large and active media environment, saying the country has hundreds of television channels in different languages covering daily events and debates.

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