Source TOI
OSLO, NORWAY — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) delivered a sharp, uncompromising rebuttal to the European media during a press conference in Oslo, accusing critics of forming a distorted view of India based on biased reports by “ignorant NGOs.”
The fiery confrontation unfolded following questions raised by a local reporter regarding press freedom and human rights in India, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Norway as part of his European tour.
The exchange escalated during an MEA briefing led by Secretary (West) Sibi George, after a Norwegian journalist questioned whether India could be “trusted” and pressed officials on when the Prime Minister would start taking critical questions from the press. The same reporter had earlier highlighted India’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index on social media.
Refusing to back down, Secretary Sibi George fiercely defended India’s democratic credentials, turning the spotlight on the sheer magnitude and vibrancy of the nation’s media landscape.
“You know how many stories are up here? We have how many breaking news coming every day in the evening? There are at least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, in Hindi language, and multiple regional languages,” George stated, emphasizing the unparalleled diversity of the Indian press. “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,” the senior diplomat added, lambasting selective external critiques that fail to comprehend India’s internal complexities.
Addressing allegations concerning civil liberties, George underscored that India’s democratic practices are rooted in its robust legal framework. He noted that the Indian Constitution firmly guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens and provides extensive judicial remedies for any violations.
The diplomat further invoked India’s historical commitment to equality, drawing a contrast with Western nations on the issue of franchise.
“We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important. In 1947, we gave the freedom to vote to our women. We won the freedom together. In many countries I know, the voting right for women came several decades after India gave that freedom,” George noted.
Concluding his response on what defines true democratic values, the MEA Secretary asserted that India’s regular electoral transitions remain the ultimate proof of its commitment to civil liberties. “We believe in equality, we believe in human rights. And what is the best example of human rights? The right to change government, the right to vote. And that is what is happening in India. We are so proud of that,” he said.
