Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to answer questions from journalists during a visit to Norway has triggered renewed debate over press freedom and democratic accountability in India, after exchanges involving a Norwegian reporter and senior Indian diplomats drew widespread attention online and political criticism at home.
The controversy unfolded during Modi’s two-day trip to Oslo this week, where he met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and participated in the India-Nordic Summit before continuing to Italy for talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
India is currently ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, a decline from its 2025 position of 151.
The incident began after a joint press appearance in Oslo where Modi and Store did not take questions from reporters.
As Modi exited the venue, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen of the daily newspaper Dagsavisen called out: “Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?”
Modi did not respond and continued walking away from the conference room.
Svendsen later attempted to ask a follow-up question before officials intervened.
She later wrote on social media that foreign leaders visiting Norway typically take at least a few questions from the press.
Speaking afterward, Svendsen said she had expected Modi not to answer but believed it was her responsibility to ask.
“I know that your prime minister does not like to take questions, but it was my duty to ask,” she told BBC Hindi.
The Indian embassy in Norway later invited Svendsen to a separate press briefing held by Indian diplomats.
During that event, she questioned India’s human rights record and asked why Norway should trust India amid allegations of rights violations.
Senior Indian diplomat Sibi George rejected the criticism, defending India’s democratic system and constitutional protections.
He said India guaranteed freedoms of thought, expression, belief and worship and described the country as a longstanding democratic society.
George also criticised what he called reliance on reports from “ignorant NGOs” while defending India’s human rights record.
The exchange quickly sparked political and media reactions in India, with critics accusing the government of avoiding difficult questions while supporters argued that Svendsen’s approach was confrontational and disrespectful.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi on social media, writing: “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.”
The controversy also revived discussion about Modi’s limited direct engagement with the press since taking office in 2014.
Modi has not held a solo press conference in India during his tenure and has only rarely answered unscripted questions during foreign visits.
In Washington in 2023, Modi responded to questions about minority rights and press freedom by saying democracy was “in India’s DNA.”
Press freedom advocates said the Norway incident reflected broader concerns about shrinking space for independent journalism in India.
Kunal Majumder of the Committee to Protect Journalists said democratic leaders should regularly engage in open press interactions because they help strengthen public trust and accountability.
He also pointed to increasing pressure on journalists through online harassment, legal action and regulatory measures.
Svendsen herself said she faced trolling and hostile online comments after the exchanges in Oslo.
The controversy came days after Dutch journalists questioned India’s foreign ministry during Modi’s visit to the Netherlands over alleged declines in minority rights and press freedom, prompting another sharp rebuttal from George.
Critics and media observers said the incidents highlighted growing international scrutiny of India’s democratic institutions and media environment.