After Netherlands, MEA faces questions over PM’s decision not to hold press conference in Norway
The Ministry of External Affairs defended India's democratic record amid criticism of Prime Minister Modi's decision not to hold a press conference in Norway. During a joint appearance with the Norwegian Prime Minister, a journalist questioned Modi's lack of engagement with the media, which is customary in Norway. This incident follows similar concerns raised during Modi's visit to the Netherlands, highlighting ongoing debates about press freedoms in India.
- ▪The Ministry of External Affairs defended India's democracy during PM Modi's European tour.
- ▪A Norwegian journalist confronted Modi about his refusal to take media questions, which is standard practice in Norway.
- ▪This is the second instance during the tour where Modi's lack of press engagement has been criticized, following a similar incident in the Netherlands.
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The Ministry of External Affairs defended India’s record on democracy on Monday (May 18 2026), for the second time during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s European tour, over the PM’s decision not to take questions from the press.During the joint press appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Mr. Modi was confronted by a Norwegian journalist who stood up and asked him to respond to media questions, as was the norm in the European country. Later in the day, after the same journalist accosted the Ministry of External Affairs on the issue as well as human rights during a briefing, a senior MEA official said that India is a “civilizational country”.
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