New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced sharp questions from foreign journalists during his visit to Norway after he declined to take media questions following bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
As the two leaders concluded their media statements, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng loudly asked Modi why he would not answer questions from “the freest press in the world.” Modi did not respond and exited the room alongside Store.
Lyng later shared the video online and pointed to Norway’s top ranking on the World Press Freedom Index. She contrasted it with India’s ranking of 157. She wrote that questioning those in power remains the responsibility of the press.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also shared the clip online. He questioned what message such incidents send globally when a Prime Minister avoids questions from journalists.
The incident marked the second occasion during Modi’s five nation tour where foreign media raised concerns over the absence of press interactions. Earlier in the Netherlands, a Dutch journalist questioned why both Prime Ministers were unavailable for media questions after official talks. External affairs ministry secretary Sibi George responded by saying such concerns emerged from a lack of understanding about India.
Despite the criticism, Modi received Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, from King Harald V. Modi dedicated the award to the friendship and goodwill shared between India and Norway.
