The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s democratic credentials during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s European tour. A Norwegian journalist questioned why Modi did not answer media queries during a joint press event with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
A senior MEA official responded by highlighting India’s population and its constitutional guarantees of fundamental rights. The official also pointed out that India ensures equal rights for women, dismissing the journalist’s tone as disrespectful.
Earlier in the day, the same journalist, Helle Lyng Svends, questioned why neither leader took media questions, which is customary in Norway. After Modi left, Store met with Norwegian journalists and later Indian reporters to answer their questions.
This is the second time during the tour that Modi’s decision not to take live press questions has been challenged. While he has occasionally joined press conferences with foreign leaders, this is not usual practice.
During a previous stop in the Netherlands, similar concerns were raised. The MEA official explained that such questions often stem from a lack of understanding of India’s democratic traditions and human rights record.
When asked if host governments had requested Modi to address media queries, the MEA official stated it was their responsibility to handle media interactions but denied any pressure to change policies.