PM Modi's press silence has triggered a controversy
The roaring controversy over Modi's press meet in Norway
A Norwegian journalist asked PM Modi why he avoids media questions. His silence has now sparked a global debate on press freedom.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Norway has triggered a global conversation — not over diplomacy or trade agreements, but over a question he chose not to answer.
During a joint appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, a Norwegian journalist asked Modi why he does not take questions from “the freest press in the world”. Modi did not respond. He shook hands with Støre, lowered his head, and walked out of the room.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, shifting attention away from the diplomatic outcomes of the visit. The visit itself was historic, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years.
Oslo moment
The journalist, identified as Helle Lyng, later posted the video online and said she was not expecting an answer from Modi. She pointed out that Norway ranks first in the World Press Freedom Index, while India is ranked 157th.
Lyng wrote that “it is the job of the press to question the powers they cooperate with.” The clip and her remarks have since been viewed by millions across platforms.
The Oslo moment was not isolated. A day earlier in the Netherlands, another journalist raised similar concerns, questioning why the Indian Prime Minister and his Dutch counterpart were not taking media questions after bilateral meetings. The Indian side avoided directly answering the concern and instead argued that criticism regarding media freedom and minority rights in India reflects a misunderstanding of the country.
The incident has reignited scrutiny over Modi’s long-standing relationship with the press during his tenure as Prime Minister.
In 2019, Modi attended what was described as his first formal press conference in five years alongside then BJP president Amit Shah. When journalists addressed questions to him directly, Modi remained silent while Shah answered all the questions.
White House
One may also recall Modi’s 2023 state visit to the White House, where Indian officials reportedly resisted the standard format of an open joint press conference with then US President Joe Biden. After negotiations, Modi reportedly answered only two pre-selected questions.
The video further claimed that since 2014, private Indian journalists have no longer accompanied Modi on foreign visits. Only state broadcaster Doordarshan and All India Radio have travelled with the Prime Minister during such trips.
This appears to have effectively eliminated the possibility of spontaneous press interactions during foreign tours.
Old interview
People have been recalling Modi’s 2007 interview with journalist Karan Thapar, when the former was Chief Minister of Gujarat. During the interview, Thapar questioned Modi about the 2002 Gujarat riots. The then CM ended the interview within minutes, saying “Dosti bani rahe” before removing his microphone and walking away.
Many media observers have often cited that moment as a turning point in Modi’s engagement with unscripted media interactions.
Back in India, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared the Oslo clip on X and questioned what message it sends globally when India’s Prime Minister avoids answering journalists. The incident has once again fuelled debate over press access, political communication and media freedom during Modi’s tenure.
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