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Why Should World Trust India
‘Why Should World Trust India?’: MEA’s Sharp Response To Nordic Journalists In Oslo Goes Viral | Watch
India’s diplomatic visit to Norway drew attention after a sharp exchange took place between Indian officials and Nordic journalists during a press interaction in Oslo. The discussion turned tense when questions were raised about press freedom, democracy and civil liberties in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Europe tour.
The response from Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George has now become widely discussed online, with many calling it a strong defence of India’s democratic system. The interaction happened shortly after PM Modi’s joint appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Journalists Questioned India’s Democracy
The tense moment began after journalists asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not take questions from the media during the event.
“Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?" shouted Helle Lyng, a journalist from Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, as the Prime Minister left the stage.
Soon after, reporters directed more questions toward the Indian delegation. They asked why foreign countries should trust India’s democratic values and commitment to civil liberties.
As the discussion grew louder, Sibi George stepped in and responded firmly. “Let me answer the question, please don’t interrupt me," George said. “You asked a question, this is my press conference. You asked why a country should trust India. Let me answer that."
Sibi George Defended India Strongly
Instead of directly responding to criticism from Western reports and global rankings, George questioned how outsiders judge India without understanding the country’s scale and complexity.
“People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding," he said.
He also criticised what he described as selective narratives based on NGO reports. “They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions," George added.
The senior diplomat then pointed toward India’s massive media landscape as proof that different opinions and discussions openly exist in the country.
“You know how many stories are up here? We have 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.
He Pointed To India’s Constitution
George later shifted the discussion toward India’s constitutional values and democratic history. According to him, India’s democracy is built on equal rights and public participation since Independence.
“We have a Constitution which guarantees the rights of the people… We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important," he said.
He also highlighted that India granted voting rights to women immediately after Independence in 1947.
“Many countries I know, the voting right for women came several decades after India gave that freedom," George stated. He further added, “Because we believe in equality, we believe in human rights. And what is the best example of human rights? The right to change a government."
Similar Questions Were Raised Earlier Too
The Oslo exchange came just one day after another similar interaction in The Hague, where Dutch journalists also questioned India on civil liberties and democratic values.
According to reports, the Indian delegation maintained the same position there as well. Officials defended India’s democratic system by pointing to voter participation, constitutional rights and the country’s diversity.
The strong response from Sibi George has now triggered discussions online, with many Indians sharing clips of the interaction and praising the diplomat for defending the country during the press briefing.
Breaking: Amb. Sibi George responds to Dutch PM’s statement of concern on Indian minorities“These questions show a lack of understanding about India. Jews never faced persecution here. We have 30 million Christians. Islam flourished. Attacked minorities have always come here." pic.twitter.com/vAaHhuCmmE
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) May 17, 2026
India And Norway Deepen Partnership
Alongside the political discussions, India and Norway also announced stronger cooperation through a new Green Strategic Partnership. The partnership will reportedly focus on areas such as green hydrogen, offshore wind energy, climate action and sustainable shipping.
Both countries are also expected to work together on critical minerals, clean technology and eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
Source: News18
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