A diplomatic briefing in Oslo turned tense on Monday after senior Indian diplomat Sibi George strongly defended India’s democratic system during a sharp exchange with Nordic journalists.

The incident took place during Narendra Modi’s ongoing five-nation European visit.

Journalists Question India’s Democratic Record

The atmosphere became tense after local reporters raised questions about civil liberties and media freedom in India. As PM Modi left the stage following a joint appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, journalist Helle Lyng from Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen shouted, “Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?”

Soon after, reporters questioned the Indian delegation about why foreign countries should trust India’s democratic values. Sibi George stepped in and firmly responded to the criticism.

“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 Rejects Western Criticism

George criticised what he described as a poor understanding of India among some Western commentators and organisations.

“People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding,” George said. “They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions.”

He defended India’s media environment by highlighting the country’s large and diverse television news industry.

“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.

Constitution Guarantees Rights, Says Diplomat

George also argued that India’s democratic credibility comes from its Constitution and legal framework rather than international rankings or foreign criticism.

“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 pointed out that India introduced universal voting rights immediately after independence in 1947.

“Many countries I know, the voting right for women came several decades after India gave that freedom. 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,” he noted.

Similar Clash Happened in The Hague

The confrontation in Oslo came just a day after a similar exchange in The Hague. During that interaction, journalists from Dutch newspapers De Volkskrant and NRC questioned George about comments on civil liberties reportedly made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

In both cases, the Indian delegation rejected foreign criticism and highlighted India’s large voter participation and growing minority population as evidence of a strong democratic and pluralistic society.

India and Norway Strengthen Green Partnership

Alongside the diplomatic exchanges, India and Norway announced an upgraded Green Strategic Partnership aimed at boosting cooperation in sustainable development and clean technology. The agreement focuses on several sectors, including green hydrogen, offshore wind energy and carbon capture projects.

Both countries also plan to cooperate in the blue economy sector by promoting green shipping corridors, sustainable fisheries and environmentally friendly port infrastructure. The partnership further aims to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and technology components.