“India Plays By The Book”: MEA Responds To Human Rights Concerns
New Delhi has strongly pushed back against questions over press freedom and human rights in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, with a senior Indian diplomat dismissing reports by certain international groups as the work of “ignorant NGOs”.
Responding to questions from a Norwegian journalist in Oslo, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic credentials, constitutional safeguards and diverse media landscape.
#WATCH | Oslo, Norway | MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George says, “…We are one sixth of the total population of the world, but not one sixth of the problems of the world. We have a constitution which guarantees the fundamental rights of the people. We have equal rights for the… pic.twitter.com/ulAOOzkA7J
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2026
India rejects criticism over press freedom
Addressing the media during PM Modi’s visit to Oslo, George asserted that India remains one of the world’s strongest democracies with constitutional guarantees for all citizens.
“We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world. We have a constitution which guarantees the fundamental rights of the people,” he said.
George was replying to questions regarding media freedom, human rights and whether India could be trusted on democratic values.
“We are proud to be a democracy”
The senior diplomat highlighted India’s legal framework and judicial system, stressing that citizens have the right to seek justice if their rights are violated.
“We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important…We believe in equality; we believe in human rights…If anyone whose rights are violated, they have the right to go to court…We are proud to be a democracy,” he added.
MEA official slams “ignorant NGOs”
Defending India’s media ecosystem, George pointed to the country’s vast number of television channels and multilingual press environment.
“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 the English language, in the Hindi language and in multiple languages,” he said.
He argued that many foreign observers fail to understand India’s scale and complexity.
“They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions,” George remarked.
India says it “plays by the book”
The diplomat also stressed India’s commitment to rule of law and democratic norms.
“India is a country which believes in the rule of law. We have always been following rules wherever they are. We play by the book. That is India’s reputation,” he said.
Comes after India rejected Dutch PM’s reported remarks
The sharp rebuttal comes a day after India dismissed reported comments by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten regarding alleged decline in media freedom and minority rights in India.
During PM Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, Indian officials had similarly defended the country’s democratic and pluralistic traditions, saying such concerns reflected a “lack of understanding” about India.
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