A recent cartoon published by the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten has ignited a storm of controversy, drawing widespread condemnation for its depiction of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer. The illustration appeared alongside an opinion piece reportedly titled "A clever and slightly annoying man" during PM Modi's state visit to Norway.
Colonial Stereotype Draws Fire
The controversial cartoon shows PM Modi holding what appears to be a fuel-station pipe shaped like a snake, an image quickly labeled as a racist and colonial-era stereotype. Critics online and within diplomatic circles have pointed out the deep irony of such imagery being used by a European publication during an official state visit, recalling historical tropes about India.
The backlash intensified after PM Modi had faced questions from Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng regarding his decision not to take media questions during a joint appearance with Norwegian Prime Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. India's Ministry of External Affairs, represented by diplomat Sibi George, later issued a sharp rebuttal regarding the exchange.
Online Condemnation and Historical Context
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with many users on X (formerly Twitter) branding the cartoon as "blatantly racist" and a clear sign that "colonial arrogance still survives in the Western elite media." Commentators highlighted PM Modi's own past statements, notably from a 2014 speech at Madison Square Garden, where he spoke of India transitioning from a "land of snake charmers" to a technology-driven nation of "mouse charmers."
This incident is not isolated; a similar controversy arose in 2022 when a Spanish newspaper utilized snake-charmer symbolism in its coverage of India's economic growth, eliciting comparable criticism at the time. The recurring nature of such imagery underscores ongoing debates about media representation and cultural sensitivity in international relations.