A Norwegian journalist, Helle Lyng, has gained viral attention for challenging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his officials during his visit to Norway regarding press freedom. Mr Modi, who has not held a solo press conference in India since 2014, walked away when Ms Lyng asked why he would not take questions from the press.
World Press Freedom Rankings
India is ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, placing it in the 'very serious' category, while Norway ranks first. During a subsequent press briefing, Ms Lyng pressed Indian diplomats on human rights violations and press freedom, with senior diplomat Sibi George defending India's democratic credentials.
European Concerns
Concerns about the erosion of press freedom and minority rights in India were also raised by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during Mr Modi's European tour. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the state of press freedom in India.
