A press conference in Oslo has ended in tension after a European journalist walked out and then returned in protest when a senior Indian official repeatedly declined to address specific questions regarding human rights violations.
– The exchange highlighted a growing rift between international media and New Delhi over domestic policy and press freedom.
– The confrontation began when a European reporter challenged Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) for India, on the country’s human rights record.
– “Why should India be trusted”? the reporter asked, while also questioning if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would ever take critical questions from the Indian press.
– Ambassador George responded by pivoting the conversation toward India’s ancient history and its contributions to global health.
– “India is a civilisational country of 5,000 years old,” George said, citing the origins of zero, chess, and yoga before highlighting India’s “Vaccine Maitri” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
– When the journalist attempted to interject to refocus on contemporary human rights, George insisted on continuing his prepared narrative.
– “Please don’t interrupt me. This is my press conference,” he told the reporter.
– He argued that India’s constitution and its status as the “largest democracy” were sufficient proof of its commitment to justice, noting that one billion people have participated in recent elections.
– The official dismissed international criticism of India’s domestic situation as being fueled by “ignorant NGOs.”
– He claimed that anyone whose rights are violated has the right to go to court, while pointing to the existence of hundreds of TV channels as evidence of a vibrant media landscape.
– The incident occurred during Modi’s first visit to Norway in over four decades, a trip aimed at strengthening economic partnerships that has now been partially overshadowed by the diplomatic spat.
https://www.trtworld.com/article/87583433cf87