Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing renewed scrutiny over his decision not to take questions from journalists during his official visit to Norway, with the issue sparking debate on press freedom and government transparency during his ongoing Europe tour.
The controversy erupted in Oslo after Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre concluded their joint press statement without taking media questions. As the leaders walked away, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng publicly asked, “Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” The moment quickly went viral on social media.
The issue gained further attention because Norway currently ranks first in the World Press Freedom Index, while India ranks 157th according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later faced repeated questions from international journalists regarding Modi’s long-standing practice of avoiding open press conferences during foreign visits. During a separate media interaction, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George strongly defended India’s democratic credentials and criticised what he described as “ignorant NGO reports” and lack of understanding about India’s scale and diversity.
The Norway episode followed similar tensions earlier during Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where Dutch journalists questioned India’s record on press freedom and minority rights during an official briefing. MEA officials responded by highlighting India’s democratic system, large media landscape, and constitutional protections.
Political reactions also intensified in India after the Norway incident. Rahul Gandhi shared the viral video online and criticised Modi, claiming the Prime Minister appeared uncomfortable facing unscripted media questions.
Critics have repeatedly pointed out that Modi rarely participates in open press conferences either domestically or internationally. Media observers note that his government generally prefers prepared statements, controlled interviews, and one-way public communication formats.
Supporters of the government, however, argue that India remains a vibrant democracy with one of the world’s largest media ecosystems, including hundreds of television channels, newspapers, and digital platforms operating across multiple languages.
Despite the controversy, Modi’s Norway visit also focused on strategic cooperation between India and Norway, including green energy, maritime partnerships, Arctic cooperation, and global development initiatives. During the visit, both countries signed a triangular development cooperation agreement aimed at supporting projects in the Global South.
The debate surrounding the press conference issue has nevertheless become one of the most discussed moments of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour across Europe and the UAE.
