Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng said her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended following the controversy surrounding her viral interaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit. Lyng described the suspension as a “small price to pay for press freedom” while sharing screenshots and tagging Meta for assistance. The controversy began after Lyng questioned Modi during a joint media appearance with Norway’s prime minister and later challenged Indian officials over human rights and press freedom at an MEA briefing. The episode triggered intense online debate, with supporters defending her journalism and critics accusing her of targeting India. Her social media following reportedly surged dramatically after the incident.  

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rome during the final leg of his five-nation tour, sharing a candid selfie from the iconic Colosseum on social media. The image quickly went viral, drawing significant online engagement. During his Italy visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Meloni to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. Modi will also visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighting India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security initiatives.

Naren Dhar, an Assistant Protocol Officer at the Indian mission in Chattogram, was found dead inside the mission premises early Tuesday morning, according to local police. Dhar, reportedly from Chandigarh, Punjab, was discovered near a bathroom door on the second floor of the old visa centre building. Police initially suspect cardiac arrest, though officials stated that a post-mortem examination would determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have launched an unnatural death case and sent the body for autopsy at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had not officially commented on the incident at the time of reporting. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13, according to sources. Xi’s participation would mark his first visit to India since the 2019 Mamallapuram summit, held months before the India-China border standoff along the Line of Actual Control. Russian officials have reportedly confirmed Putin’s attendance. The summit comes amid gradual stabilisation in India-China relations, including resumed visas, direct flights and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage arrangements, although troop deployments along the LAC remain high. India is also reportedly seeking broader consensus among BRICS nations regarding ongoing geopolitical divisions over the West Asia conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

India and the Nordic countries launched a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership at the India-Nordic Summit 2026 in Oslo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The countries agreed to work together on 6G, climate action, digital technology and Arctic research. They also decided to allow up to 100% foreign direct investment by Nordic defence companies in India’s defence corridors. (PC: Reuters)

A cartoon in Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten has sparked controversy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway. The illustration showed Modi as a "snake charmer" with a fuel hose shaped like a snake. Many social media users called the image racist and said it repeated an old stereotype about India. The cartoon surfaced after a separate debate over press freedom, triggered by journalist Helle Lyng asking Modi why he does not take questions from the media.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng became the focus of international attention after questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over press freedom during a joint appearance in Norway. Lyng later attended a tense MEA briefing where Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic record, media scale and global contributions. The confrontation triggered intense online reactions, with critics accusing Lyng of being a “spy” or “Chinese proxy” due to her earlier articles praising China and criticising Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lyng denied the allegations, stating her work was purely journalism. The controversy later spilled into Indian politics, drawing reactions from Rahul Gandhi and BJP leaders.

A media interaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit escalated after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng questioned why Modi avoids taking press questions during official appearances. The issue resurfaced during a later MEA briefing where Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic institutions, constitutional rights and global contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic and G20 presidency. George rejected criticism on human rights and press freedom, criticising reports by “godforsaken, ignorant NGOs”. The exchange became tense after interruptions during questioning on trust, media freedom and rights concerns in India. Lyng later claimed Indian officials avoided giving direct answers regarding alleged human rights violations and press freedom issues.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may choose China over India for his first foreign visit since taking office in February, according to Bangladeshi media reports. Beijing has reportedly invited Rahman for a late June state visit, during which he could meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. The development comes amid expanding Bangladesh-China cooperation after the Yunus-led interim administration and growing Chinese involvement in infrastructure and economic projects. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Rahman to India earlier this year, Dhaka appears focused on strengthening ties with Beijing while simultaneously attempting to stabilise relations with New Delhi over trade, connectivity and regional security concerns. (PC: X)

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng sparked major controversy after questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi on press freedom during a joint media appearance in Norway. Lyng, associated with Dagsavisen, later defended her remarks online, citing Norway’s top press freedom ranking against India’s 157th position. The Indian Embassy invited her to a later briefing where MEA Secretary Sibi George responded sharply to her questions on India’s credibility and human rights. The incident triggered intense online trolling, allegations of being a “spy”, and scrutiny of Lyng’s social media activity and past writings on China, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Tesla. Opposition leaders and BJP figures further amplified the political controversy nationwide.