New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly objected to 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 comments come after a Norwegian journalist publicly claimed that PM Modi did not raise his question during a media interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storey in Oslo.The journalist also noted India’s position in the World Press Freedom Index and criticized the lack of questions during press appearances, asking, “Why should we trust India?”

Responding to questions, Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, defended India’s democratic institutions and constitutional framework.“We’ve heard a lot of people asking why this, why that, but let me tell you this. We are one-sixth of the world’s population, but not one-sixth of the world’s problems,” he said during a press conference.“We have a Constitution that guarantees the fundamental rights of people. Women in our country have equal rights, which is very important,” she said.

‘People have no understanding of the scale of India’

The External Affairs Ministry official also criticized international commentary on India and said many people form opinions without understanding the country’s vast media ecosystem.George said, “You know how many stories there are here. How many breaking news we have every day in the evening. There are at least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, Hindi language and many more languages.”He said, “People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding. You know, they read one or two news reports published by some forgotten, ignorant NGO and then come and ask questions.”He said, “In 1947 we gave our women the freedom to vote. We got independence together and got the right to vote from the first day. I know many countries where women got the right to vote after many decades. We believe in equality; we believe in human rights. If anyone’s rights are violated, they have the right to go to court. We are proud to be a democracy.”

The controversy erupted when Norwegian journalist Helle Ling questioned PM Modi as he was leaving the hall with PM Storey after giving a media statement.Later, Ling shared a video of the moment on X, saying, “Prime Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi will not answer my question, I did not expect this from him.”He also referred to India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, saying, “Norway is at number one position” while “India is at 157th position.”However, the Indian Embassy in Norway responded to his post and invited him to attend an official press conference later in the evening.“The Embassy is organizing a press conference on the Prime Minister’s visit today at 9.30 pm at Hotel Radisson BluPlaza. “You are welcome to come and ask your questions,” the embassy said.Ling also posted that she was “very disappointed that the Prime Minister of Norway did not include time for Indian journalists today.”

Even Norway’s PM did not take any questions: BJP

The episode also sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders targeting PM Modi over the joint media interaction. Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi said, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.”Sharing the video on Twitter, Rahul said, ‘What happens to India’s image when the world sees a compromised PM panicking and running away from some questions?’Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also hit out at PM Modi over his interactions with European leaders during the visit and asked, “What is the fake wisdom given by the self-proclaimed but completely exposed world guru to the Dutch PM, who actually called him?”Responding to the criticism, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya defended PM Modi and pointed out that even the Norwegian Prime Minister did not answer questions during the joint press conference.Sharing a post on X, Malviya said, “Norway’s Prime Minister also did not raise any questions in the joint press briefing of the two leaders.”He said, “But the crazy Congress machinery led by Rahul Gandhi is fuming over the absurd statement of a criminal journalist. One wonders whether, like the journalist, the Congress leadership is also on the side of those who do not want to see a strong and powerful India.”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.