Diplomat Defends India's Record During Norway Visit
During a press briefing held in Norway as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's multi-nation European tour, India's Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West), Sibi George, robustly defended the nation's human rights, press freedom, and minority rights record. The strong rebuttal came in response to persistent questioning from a female Norwegian journalist who repeatedly interrupted Indian diplomats and challenged India's credibility on these critical issues.
George addressed the journalist's concerns directly, rejecting criticisms he suggested were often formed without a comprehensive understanding of India's immense scale and intricate complexities.
Challenging Perceptions of Scale and Complexity
The senior diplomat highlighted the vastness of India's media landscape as evidence against claims of restricted press freedom. "You know how many stories are up here [in India]. We have a lot of breaking news coming every day in the evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English, Hindi and multiple languages. People have no understanding of the scale of India," George stated, emphasizing the sheer volume and diversity of news outlets operating within the country.
He further criticized what he perceived as a reliance on selective reports, accusing India's detractors of basing their views on publications by what he termed "godforsaken, ignorant NGOs" rather than a broader, more informed perspective. The exchange saw the reporter briefly leave the room before returning to continue her questioning.
Constitutional Guarantees and Democratic Strength
George underscored India's constitutional framework, asserting that it guarantees fundamental rights for all citizens and provides legal avenues for recourse in cases of violations. He pointed to India's commitment to equality, specifically noting the immediate granting of voting rights to women after Independence in 1947 – a progressive step that predated similar rights in many other nations by decades.
"We have a Constitution which guarantees the rights of the people, fundamental rights of the people. We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important," George affirmed. He concluded by presenting India's vibrant electoral democracy as the ultimate testament to its dedication to human rights and equality. "What is the best example of human rights? The right to change government, the right to vote. And that is what is happening in India. We are so proud of that," he remarked.