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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a sharp question during his visit to Oslo. Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng called out, “Why don’t you take questions from the freest press in the world?” Modi did not reply and left the venue. Later, MEA Secretary Sibi George said, “We are proud to be a democracy,” while defending India’s human rights record. The tense exchange went viral online and sparked political reactions in India. Rahul Gandhi said, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.” (PC: FB/@helle.l.svendsen)  

25-year-old man from Odisha was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia, officials said. The victim, A Rameya, was from Madhabandha village in Ganjam district. He had gone to Russia in March in search of work and joined a company there in April. He died during a drone strike in the Moscow region on Sunday. His family was informed by a friend working with him. The Ganjam district administration has contacted the Resident Commissioner in Delhi and the Indian Embassy to bring his body back to Odisha. Rameya was reportedly planning to get married later this year.

A Pakistani military officer has come under criticism after claiming that Fatah-1 missiles struck two Indian airbases that do not exist. In an interview with a local TV channel, Captain Muneeb Zamal said Pakistan successfully targeted “Rajouri Airbase” and “Mamun Airbase” during Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos in 2025. However, Rajouri is a district in Jammu and Kashmir and has no Indian Air Force base, while Mamun is only a military cantonment near Pathankot in Punjab. The remarks triggered online jokes and criticism. Pakistan had launched drone and missile attacks after India’s Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng has reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a phone interview amid the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit. Lyng, who recently questioned PM Modi over press freedom during an event in Oslo, asked Gandhi on social media if he would be available for an interview to discuss his views on the visit. The development comes after Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi over the incident and shared a video of the exchange online. The controversy has sparked political debate in India and drawn international attention over media freedom and public questioning of leaders.