- PM Modi bypassed journalists after press event with Norwegian counterpart.
- A Norwegian journalist questioned press freedom and India’s press freedom ranking.
- MEA official defended India’s global role and past actions.
- Official stated it was his responsibility to handle press interactions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision not to take questions from journalists during a joint press statement with his Norwegian counterpart drew sharp attention on Monday, triggering a tense exchange later at a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) media briefing in Oslo.
PM Modi is currently in Norway as part of the fourth leg of his five-nation Europe tour. Before arriving in Oslo, the prime minister visited the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and Sweden. He is scheduled to travel to Italy on May 19.
The controversy began after Norwegian commentator Helle Lyng shared a video on X showing PM Modi leaving the venue without interacting with reporters. In the clip, a woman can be heard asking loudly: “Why don’t you take some questions from the world’s freest press?”
Norwegian Scribe Raises Press Freedom Concerns
Sharing the video online, Lyng said she had not expected PM Modi to answer her question. She also drew attention to Norway’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index compared with India’s position.
“Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index; India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, Emirates & Cuba. It is our job to question the powers we cooperate with,” she wrote in the post.
The video quickly triggered debate online, with reactions ranging from criticism of the prime minister’s media approach to support for the Indian delegation’s handling of the visit. The issue later resurfaced during the MEA’s official press briefing on the Norway leg of the trip.
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#WATCH | Oslo, Norway | MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George responds to question by reporters from Norway – “Why should we trust you?” ” Will the PM take critical questions from the Indian Press?” pic.twitter.com/iaEGIlVG08
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2026
Heated Moments During MEA Press Conference
At the briefing, a woman identifying herself as a journalist from a Norwegian newspaper directly questioned Indian officials over “trust” and alleged human rights concerns in India. She also asked whether PM Modi would begin taking “critical questions from the Indian press”.
Responding to the queries, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George launched into a detailed explanation of India’s identity as a nation and civilisation. “Let me give a background to what India is,” George said, describing India as a 5,000-year-old continuous civilisation that has contributed significantly to the world.
During his remarks, George repeatedly asked not to be interrupted. “Please don’t interrupt me,” he said, visibly irritated while continuing his response to the journalist’s questions.
Sibi George Defends India’s Global Role
George argued that India had earned global trust through its actions during difficult periods, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“You asked why should a country trust India, let me answer that question,” he said. “The whole world suffered in Covid… what did we do? We didn’t hide in cave; we didn’t say we will not save the world. We came out offering a helping hand to the world.”
The senior diplomat also referred to India’s role in global forums including the G20 and AI summits, saying the country had consistently raised important global concerns and acted responsibly on the world stage.
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‘These Are My Prerogatives’: MEA Official
The exchange became increasingly tense as the journalist repeatedly sought direct answers, while George insisted on completing his remarks in his own manner.
“Please let me answer… these are my prerogatives. You ask a question, don’t ask me to answer in a particular way,” he said firmly.
George further stressed that India, despite being home to one-sixth of the world’s population, was not responsible for “one-sixth of the problems of the world”. He also defended India’s constitutional framework and highlighted equal rights for women since independence.
Addressing another question on why PM Modi did not personally take questions from journalists, George said it was his responsibility as the official leading media interactions during the visit. “I have been doing that and I will continue to do that,” he said.
