India strongly defended its stance on press freedom and human rights in response to a Norwegian journalist’s queries during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Oslo. The journalist questioned India’s democratic and human rights record, prompting a detailed response from Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs. George highlighted India’s constitutional guarantees of fundamental rights and mechanisms to address violations, emphasizing the country’s commitment to equality and human rights.
During the interaction, George reiterated India’s democratic values, diverse media landscape, and adherence to the rule of law. He emphasized India’s significant media presence across various languages and criticized foreign observers for relying on selective reports. George reaffirmed India’s belief in international standards and democratic principles, pointing to the country’s contributions during global crises and its rich civilizational heritage.
The episode in Oslo follows a similar incident in the Netherlands, where India faced questions on press freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Sibi George had then defended India’s democratic institutions, cultural diversity, and historical context, attributing such queries to a lack of understanding of India’s democratic processes and social fabric.
