'People Read Reports By Ignorant NGOs, Then Ask Questions': MEA Hits Back Over Press Freedom Query
'People Read Reports By Ignorant NGOs, Then Ask Questions': MEA Hits Back Over Press Freedom Query Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 16:19 IST
'People Read Reports By Ignorant NGOs, Then Ask Questions': MEA Hits Back Over Press Freedom Query Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 16:19 IST India defended its democratic and constitutional framework after a Norwegian media commentator questioned why the world should trust India. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George (Photo: Social Media) India strongly defended its democratic credentials, constitutional framework and human rights record after questions were raised by a Norwegian media commentator during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway. Responding at a media briefing in Oslo, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George rejected concerns surrounding press freedom and human rights in India, while also aiming to counter what he described as “ignorant NGOs" shaping perceptions about the country. The exchange came after a journalist from a Norwegian media outlet questioned why India should be trusted and also raised concerns over Prime Minister Modi not taking questions during the joint press appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The interaction turned tense as the journalist repeatedly interrupted while George was responding. ‘WE ARE THE LARGEST DEMOCRACY’ Defending India’s democratic system, Sibi George said India’s constitutional framework guarantees rights to all citizens and ensures legal remedies if those rights are violated. “We have a constitution which guarantees the rights of the people, fundamental rights of the people," George said, adding that India has “equal rights for the women of our country." He noted that women in India received voting rights immediately after independence in 1947, unlike several other countries where such rights came much later.
“In 1947, we gave the freedom to vote to our women. We together won the freedom and got the right to vote from day one. “In many countries, I know, the voting right for women came after several decades," he said. George further described voting rights and peaceful transfer of power as the strongest examples of democracy and human rights. “And what is the best example of human rights? The right to change government, the right to vote. That is what is happening in India. We are so proud of that," he stated. He also stressed that India is governed by the rule of law and follows international norms. “India is a country which believes in the rule of law. We have always been following rules wherever it is. We play by the book. That is India’s reputation," George said. ‘ONE-SIXTH OF WORLD POPULATION, NOT ONE-SIXTH OF PROBLEMS’ During the briefing, George highlighted India’s scale and democratic diversity, arguing that the country often faces unfair scrutiny despite contributing positively on the global stage. “We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world," he said. He said India’s handling of global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated why the world places trust in the country. “In Covid, India helped the world, we did not hide in a cave. That brings trust. That trust is appreciated by the world," George said. Referring to India’s civilisational legacy, he said the country has historically contributed to the world in multiple ways.
“You look around, and you see an India connect everywhere in the world. Shoonya, zero, originated in India. Chess originated in India. Yoga, which the world admires today, originated in India," he said. George also pointed to India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023, saying New Delhi was able to bring divided nations together and secure a consensus declaration. “We organised the G20 summit in 2023, and the world was divided. We were able to bring the world together, there was a common declaration," he said, adding that India also succeeded in bringing the African Union into the G20 grouping. ‘PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND INDIA’ Responding to concerns over press freedom and media environment in India, George said critics often fail to understand the scale and diversity of India’s media ecosystem. “You know how many breaking news coming every day in the evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, in Hindi language and multiple languages," he said. George added that many outsiders form opinions about India based on selective reports. “People have no understanding of the scale of India. They read one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions," he said. He also reiterated that India’s Constitution allows citizens to seek justice through courts if their rights are violated. “If anyone whose rights are violated, they have the right to go to court," he said. ‘INDIA EMBRACES DIVERSITY’ George further described India as a civilisation rooted in diversity and tolerance, saying the country historically welcomed persecuted communities from around the world.
“India is a democratic society. It is not in 1947 that we became a democracy. We were a democratic society for centuries, for millennia," he said. He added that India’s diversity stems from its culture of acceptance. “Whenever there was persecution anywhere in the world, they came to India and Indian society accepted everyone," he said. “That is why we have this diversity in India. We embrace the world. We did not eliminate, we did not go for ethnic cleansing," George said, contrasting India’s social fabric with countries that today have “only one religion" or “only one ethnicity." The MEA Secretary also said India remains committed to a rules-based international order and constructive global engagement. “India is taking the lead in having a constructive engagement with each of our partners and like-minded countries to ensure that there is a rule-based order in the world," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 19, 2026, 08:49 IST News india 'People Read Reports By Ignorant NGOs, Then Ask Questions': MEA Hits Back Over Press Freedom Query Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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