Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:14pm on 19 May 2026,Tuesday India Global
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.
