Norway Briefing Turns Tense | MEA Official Defends India's Democratic Rights, Slams “Ignorant NGOs”

Extraordinary scenes unfolded during a media briefing in Oslo as Sibi George, Secretary (West) in India’s MEA, sharply responded to repeated questions from a Norwegian journalist on press freedom, minority rights, and human rights in India. Defending India’s democratic system, George said critics often rely on selective reports from “ignorant NGOs” without understanding the scale and complexity of the country. He highlighted India’s Constitution, voting rights for women since Independence, and the strength of its electoral democracy as proof of its commitment to equality and human rights. The exchange took place during Narendra Modi’s ongoing Europe visit and has sparked widespread debate online.