‘Lack Of Understanding’: India Rejects Dutch PM’s Remarks On Minorities, Press Freedom

Key points

• ‘Lack Of Understanding’: India Rejects Dutch PM’s Remarks On Minorities, Press Freedom Published By, Last Updated: May 18, 2026, 09:13 IST According to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, PM Jetten had said that the Dutch government had concerns regarding developments in India, including press freedom and minority rights.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten (R) speak in the garden of the Catshuis during an official visit by India's Prime Minister to The Hague on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Lina Selg / AFP) India has strongly rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten regarding media freedom and minority rights in the country, saying such concerns arise from a “lack of understanding" about India’s history, democracy and cultural diversity.
• The response came during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed questions raised by a...