Indian Official Slams Reporter Over Rights Query, Calls NGOs “Ignorant''

Indian official slams reporter: The Ministry of External Affairs’ press briefing in Norway on Monday night became tense when a Norwegian journalist repeatedly interrupted Indian diplomats. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George responded with a firm stance.

Indian Official Slams Reporter: ‘’Critics Don’t Understand India”: Official Defends Media Freedom

NGOs ignorant remark: The situation became more tense when the journalist, after briefly leaving the room, asked why India should be “trusted” on press freedom, minority rights, and human rights.

George defended India’s democracy, saying critics often rely on selective reports from “ignorant NGOs” and do not understand the country’s size and complexity.

“You know how many stories are up here [in India]. We have a lot of breaking news every evening.’’

At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English, Hindi and multiple languages. He said people are ignorant about how vast India is. 

NGO Criticism by Official: MEA Hits Back at Critics, Highlights India’s Democratic Scale

The senior diplomat also added that India’s critics believe in few news reports published by ignorant NGOs and then raise questions.

George also highlighted India’s constitutional guarantees and democratic institutions in response to the allegations.

He explained that the Constitution protects the fundamental rights of all citizens and offers legal remedies if those rights are violated.

The MEA official also noted that India granted women the right to vote immediately after Independence, while in some other countries, women had to wait many years for this right.

Indian Official Slams Reporter: MEA Says India’s Democracy Reflects Human Rights Commitment

George also mentioned the Indian Constitution, which gives fundamental rights to the people and equal rights to women, which is essential.

“In 1947, we gave the freedom to vote to our women. In many countries, I know, the voting right for women came several decades after India gave that freedom,” he added.

He also said that India’s electoral democracy is the strongest evidence of its commitment to equality and human rights.

The best examples of human rights include the right to vote and change the government, which is prevalent in India.

“We are very proud of it.” The remark was made during Narendra Modi’s Europe trip. During the briefing, the reporter briefly left the room and then returned.

Rights Query Controversy: India Hits Back at Dutch PM’s Remarks

The Foreign Ministry strongly responded a day after New Delhi dismissed Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten's reported comments about India's media freedom and treatment of religious and minority rights.

The ministry said India is a "vibrant democracy" that protects free speech for everyone. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands, a Ministry of External Affairs official told the media that these concerns stemmed from a "lack of understanding" of India and highlighted the country's long history and diversity.

India Rights Debate: MEA Says Delhi Alone Has 200 TV Channels

Official response to reporters: Speaking to reporters in Oslo, the MEA official explained that many people outside India do not realise how large and complex the country is.

He noted that Delhi alone has at least 200 television channels in English, Hindi, and several regional languages, with news updates airing throughout the evening. “People have no understanding of the scale of India,” he said.

The official said, “They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions.” He expressed concern that outsiders often reduce complex debates in India to simple stories.

PM Modi Skips Journalist’s Appeal for Media Questions

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre gave press statements in Oslo on Monday, a Norwegian journalist asked Modi if he would take questions from the media.

Modi did not respond and left the room with Støre. As he walked out, journalist Helle Lyng called out, “Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press of the world?”

Later, Lyng, who writes for the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, posted on X, “Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question.

''I was not expecting him to.” She also shared a video where she can be heard asking the prime minister to take questions.

The Indian Embassy in Oslo replied to Lyng on X and invited her to a briefing with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs about the Prime Minister's visit to Norway.

The prime minister usually does not take questions from journalists during media statements before or after meetings with foreign leaders.