MEA Responds To Trust Question In Oslo
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded strongly during a press briefing in Oslo after a Norwegian journalist questioned why India should be trusted and why Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not take questions from the press. MEA Secretary West Sibi George answered by defending India’s democratic institutions, constitutional protections, media environment and record on human rights. The exchange took place as Modi held meetings with senior Norwegian leaders during his visit.
Sibi George Defends Indian Democracy
George said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to citizens and provides legal remedies when those rights are violated. He highlighted India’s democratic history, saying the country gave women equal voting rights from independence and continues to uphold the right to vote and change governments as a core democratic freedom. He said India believes in equality, human rights and constitutional governance, adding that electoral participation remains one of the strongest examples of public power in the country.
Press Freedom Question Sparks Firm Reply
During the exchange, George repeatedly asked not to be interrupted while responding to the journalist’s question. He said the question deserved a full answer and pointed to India’s large and diverse media landscape as evidence of public debate. George said India has hundreds of active television channels and news platforms operating in English, Hindi and many regional languages, arguing that many outside observers do not fully understand the scale and complexity of India’s media ecosystem.
India Cites Rule Of Law And Global Role
George also said India follows the rule of law and has built a reputation for working within established legal and international frameworks. Responding to the broader question of why the world should trust India, he referred to the country’s conduct during global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and said India’s civilisational legacy continues to shape its global identity. He cited India’s contributions to mathematics, culture, yoga, chess and literature while stressing that India sees itself as a responsible democratic nation with deep historical and constitutional foundations.
