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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a strong response "points out" these "ignorant NGO reports" that have been "engineered" to give "misguided" global perceptions about India, especially during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway. In a fracas-ridden press conference on May 19, 2026, held in Oslo, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George came out with a strong rebuttal to the challenges raised to India's democratic image.

George declared that people have no idea of the dimension of India. He shouted down journalists for basing their questions on "one or two news reports" from "some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs" rather than recognizing the diversity, vibrant media coverage by hundreds of channels this side of the Durand Line, and robust constitutional system in India.

The remarks were made as part of questions concerning freedom of press and human rights. George told of India's early move towards universal adult suffrage, including that for women, and of its huge democratic exercise. India's assertiveness and its strong rebuttal come from a rise in stories with one side of the coin projected on the other based on Western reporting. The transaction came as part of the strengthening of the ties between the two countries. On the eve of PM Modi's visit, India and Norway have signed important agreements to further strengthen ties between the two countries.