Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on an official visit to Norway, a trip that has garnered significant international attention, while following a high-level press event where Prime Minister Modi issued a joint statement alongside the Prime Minister of Norway, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a dedicated press briefing. During this session, a Norwegian journalist raised several pointed and sharp questions concerning human rights and the state of press freedom in India. These queries were met with a comprehensive and firm response from Sibi George, the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, who addressed the concerns by highlighting India's deep-rooted democratic traditions and its global standing.
The Journalist's Sharp Inquiries
The female journalist directly questioned Sibi George on why the global community should place its trust in India and whether there would be an end to alleged human rights violations in the country. Plus, she inquired about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagement with the media, specifically asking if the Prime Minister would begin addressing difficult questions from the Indian press. These questions touched upon sensitive topics that the MEA Secretary addressed with a detailed explanation of India's systemic strengths and historical context.
India as a 5,000-Year-Old Civilization
Responding to the question of global trust, Sibi George emphasized that India isn't merely a nation-state but a 5000 year old civilization. He explained that a country's identity is defined by its population, government, sovereignty, and territory, and in all these aspects, India holds a formidable position on the world stage. He pointed out that India has consistently contributed to the global good, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example. During the crisis, India didn't remain isolated but stood up for those in need, providing essential support. This proactive global role, according to George, is the fundamental reason why the world trusts India today.
Constitutional Guarantees and Human Rights
Secretary George further elaborated on the legal framework of the country, stating that India possesses a Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, while he highlighted the progressive nature of Indian democracy by noting that women in India were granted the right to vote immediately after independence in 1947. He contrasted this with many other nations where such rights were secured much later in their history, while this, he argued, serves as a testament to India's long-standing commitment to equality and democratic participation.
The Rule of Law and Democratic Processes
Addressing the human rights concerns, George asked rhetorically what better example of human rights exists than the right to change a government and the right to vote. He asserted that these processes are actively functioning in India, a fact that the nation takes great pride in, while he maintained that India operates under the rule of law and strictly adheres to international norms. He also noted that while India represents 1/6 of the world's total population, it doesn't represent 1/6 of the world's problems. Instead, India is a source of solutions and cultural heritage.
Global Contributions and G20 Success
The Secretary highlighted India's historical and cultural contributions that have gained global recognition. He mentioned that the concept of zero originated in India, as did the game of chess. He also pointed to Yoga, which is now celebrated and practiced worldwide, as another Indian contribution. Also, George referenced India's successful G20 presidency in 2023. He noted that under India's leadership, New Delhi managed to unite divided nations and achieve a consensus declaration, showcasing India's diplomatic capability to bridge global gaps.
Media Landscape and NGO Reports
Regarding the questions on media freedom, Sibi George suggested that some critics fail to grasp the sheer scale and diversity of the Indian media landscape. He pointed out that in Delhi alone, there are hundreds of news channels operating in various languages. He criticized the tendency of some individuals to question India based solely on reports from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) without understanding the ground reality and the massive scale of the country, while on the specific question of PM Modi taking media questions, George clarified that during such international visits, it's his responsibility to brief the media, a task he's performing continuously.