Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered strong questioning from journalists during his European tour, specifically regarding his practice of not taking direct questions from the press. The incidents, occurring first in the Netherlands and then prominently in Oslo, Norway, on Monday, May 18, 2026, sparked a robust defense of India's democratic values from the Ministry of External Affairs. This situation highlights an ongoing debate about press freedom and leaders' accountability on the international stage.

What Happened?

During a joint press appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the Government Guest House in Oslo, a Norwegian journalist, Helle Lyng Svends of the Dagsavisen, directly challenged PM Modi. Ms. Svends stood up and asked why he would not take questions from what she called "the freest press in the world," even following him out of the room with her queries. She expressed her disappointment that neither Prime Minister had taken questions, contrary to Norwegian norms. Following PM Modi's departure, PM Store returned to address Norwegian journalists and later met with Indian media after a business event, taking their questions.

Later that same day, Ms. Svends accosted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George during a briefing, pressing him on the issue of media questions and human rights. Mr. George, visibly angered by the journalist's tone and interruptions, robustly defended India's democratic credentials. He emphasized that India is a "civilizational country" with a constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights and equal rights for women. He stated, "We are one sixth of the total population of the world, but not one sixth of the problems of the world." This was not the first instance of such a challenge on the tour; Dutch journalists had raised similar objections to the no-questions practice during PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands just two days prior, on Saturday, May 17.

Key Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined to take questions from the press during his European tour stops in the Netherlands and Norway.
A Norwegian journalist directly confronted PM Modi in Oslo, questioning his refusal to engage with the media.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly defended India's democratic record and human rights during a press briefing.
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George cited India's constitution, fundamental rights, and women's rights in his defense.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store later engaged with both Norwegian and Indian journalists, taking their questions.
This marks the second instance on the tour where PM Modi's practice of not taking live press questions has been challenged.
The MEA confirmed that no host government had requested PM Modi to answer questions from the press.

Why Does This Matter?

For the common person, a leader's willingness to face direct questions from the press is a fundamental aspect of transparency and accountability in a democracy. When a Prime Minister on an international tour avoids media scrutiny, it can raise concerns about openness and the government's commitment to a free press. This incident, therefore, goes beyond diplomatic protocol; it touches upon the very principles that underpin a healthy democratic society, where leaders are expected to explain their decisions and policies to citizens, often through the media.

Moreover, these events shape international perceptions of India's democratic health. The MEA's vigorous defense, while aimed at countering criticism, also underscores the sensitivity of the issue on the global stage. Citizens worldwide, and particularly in democratic nations, expect their leaders to be accessible to the media. When this expectation is not met, it can lead to questions about a nation's commitment to democratic norms and human rights. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of a free and questioning press in holding power to account, both domestically and internationally.