‘Go to court’: MEA's tense exchange with Norwegian press over PM Modi ‘skipping questions’ | Watch
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had a tense exchange with Norwegian journalists regarding Prime Minister Modi's lack of media interactions during his visit. Journalists questioned the Indian government's commitment to human rights and press freedom, particularly in light of India's low ranking on the World Press Freedom Index. MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India's civilizational legacy and asserted the country's commitment to equality and human rights amidst the scrutiny.
- ▪PM Modi did not take questions from the press during his joint statement with Norway's Prime Minister.
- ▪A Norwegian journalist criticized Modi for not engaging with the media, highlighting India's low press freedom ranking.
- ▪MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India's human rights record and emphasized the country's civilizational contributions.
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‘Go to court’: MEA's tense exchange with Norwegian press over PM Modi ‘skipping questions’ | WatchMEA's Sibi George affirmed India's civilisational legacy, its commitment to equality and human rights, and defended against skepticism about media freedom.Updated on: May 19, 2026 9:33 AM ISTBy Nayanika SenguptaShare viaCopy link The lack of media interactions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's joint press statement with his Norwegian counterpart on Monday during his Europe trip came under scrutiny at a later Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefing, where journalists pressed officials on PM not taking questions from the “freest press in the world”.MEA's Sibi George engaged in a tense exchange with a journalist who raised a questioned over alleged human rights violation and press…
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