The Indian government strongly pushed back against questions raised by a Norwegian journalist, saying foreign observers often misunderstand the scale and complexity of India’s democracy…reports Asian Lite News
India strongly rejected criticism over press freedom and human rights raised by a Norwegian journalist during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oslo, with senior officials asserting that the country’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and democratic freedoms to all citizens.
The exchange took place on Monday after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng called on Prime Minister Modi to take questions from the media as he exited an event venue in Oslo.
Later, Lyng attended an official media briefing organised by the Embassy of India in Oslo, where senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs briefed journalists on the Prime Minister’s visit.
During the interaction, the journalist questioned India’s human rights record and press freedom situation, asking why the international community should trust India and whether the Prime Minister would begin taking “critical questions” from the Indian media in the future.
Responding firmly, Sibi George defended India’s democratic institutions, constitutional framework and record on rights and freedoms, while criticising what he described as narratives shaped by “ignorant NGOs”.
George said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and provides legal mechanisms to address violations whenever they occur. He also highlighted India’s early decision to grant equal voting rights to women after Independence, contrasting it with several countries where women received voting rights much later.
“We have a constitution which guarantees the rights of the people, fundamental rights of the people,” George said, adding that India strongly believes in equality, democracy and human rights.
During the exchange, George repeatedly requested the journalist not to interrupt him while he answered the questions.
“You asked a question, this is my press conference. You asked why should a country trust India, let me answer that question,” he said.
Referring to India’s media environment, the MEA Secretary said foreign observers often fail to understand the scale and diversity of the country’s media landscape. He pointed out that India has hundreds of television news channels operating in multiple languages across the country.
“You know how many breaking news stories come every evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, in Hindi language and multiple languages. People have no understanding of the scale of India,” George remarked.
He also criticised what he described as selective reporting by foreign observers relying on reports from “godforsaken, ignorant NGOs” to assess India’s internal realities.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to democratic norms and legal principles, George said the country follows the rule of law consistently and maintains a strong global reputation for adhering to international standards.
“India is a country which believes in the rule of law. We have always been following rules wherever it is. We play by the book. That is India’s reputation,” he stated.
Answering another question on why the world should trust India, George referred to the country’s role during global crises such as the Covid pandemic and highlighted India’s contributions to civilisation, mathematics and global heritage.
The remarks come days after India similarly rejected concerns raised over press freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where George had also defended India’s democratic institutions and cultural diversity against criticism from foreign journalists.Headline: MEA rebuts Norway journalist’s remarks on India’s human rights recordHeadline: MEA rebuts Norway journalist’s remarks on India’s human rights record
