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.
