Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26pm on 19 May 2026,Tuesday India Global
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.
