A Norwegian journalist has garnered widespread acclaim for her relentless questioning of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his officials during his visit to Oslo. Helle Lyng, a reporter for the newspaper Dagsavisen, went viral on social media after she confronted Indian diplomats and asked Modi why he avoids addressing the press.
Modi's Media Avoidance
Since assuming office in 2014, Modi has not held a solo press conference in India. During his four-nation European tour, which began with a two-day visit to the Netherlands on Saturday, he has faced repeated queries about the erosion of press freedom and human rights. On Monday, following a joint statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Lyng shouted: 'Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?' Modi did not respond and continued walking out, though it remains unclear if he heard the question.
Social Media Response
Lyng later shared a video of Modi's exit on social media, captioning it: 'Prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to.' She added, 'It is our job to question the powers we cooperate with.' The video quickly gained traction, with many praising her tenacity.
Press Freedom Rankings
India ranks 157th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, placing it in the 'very serious' category. This marks a drop of six places from 2025. In contrast, Norway tops the index.
Tense Exchange at Briefing
Lyng's questioning escalated during a subsequent press briefing by the Indian foreign ministry, where officials were pressed on human rights. 'I am wondering as we strengthen our partnership, why should we trust you?' she asked. She also inquired whether India could 'promise to stop the human rights violation that goes on' and if Modi would start taking questions from Indian media.
Senior diplomat Sibi George defended India's democratic credentials, citing the country's contributions during the Covid pandemic. He described India as 'a civilisational country which has something unique to offer to the world' and pointed to its constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights. George criticized 'limited' international understanding of India's media landscape, noting that Delhi alone has hundreds of television news channels. He dismissed reports of human rights violations as coming from 'some godforsaken, ignorant NGO.'
Lyng's Frustration
In a post on X, Lyng expressed frustration: 'I tried multiple times to get them to be specific on human rights, but I was unsuccessful. The representatives talked about India’s effort during Covid and also yoga, among other things.'
Political Reactions
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi, stating: 'What happens to India’s image when the world sees a compromised PM panic and run from a few questions? When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.'
Dutch Concerns
Earlier, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten had voiced concerns about press freedom and minority rights in India ahead of his meeting with Modi. According to De Volkskrant, Jetten said: 'It is not only about press freedom but also about the rights of minorities, who are under severe pressure. That applies in the first place to the Muslim community but also to many other smaller communities.' He added, 'The concern is to what extent India remains an inclusive society where the same rights apply to everyone.'
Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed alarm over rhetoric from Modi's BJP targeting minorities, sectarian violence during Hindu festivals, and state-sponsored demolitions of predominantly Muslim properties.
