Outrage in Oslo: Who crossed the line? Experts weigh in

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway, a joint diplomatic press statement in Oslo saw Norwegian journalist Helle Ling question the Prime Minister on India's human rights record and press freedom. Following protocol, the Prime Minister did not take questions. Later, at a Ministry of External Affairs press briefing, Ling questioned the Indian delegation on human rights and trust. MEA Secretary Sibi George responded by defending India's democratic institutions, constitutional values, and diversity. George stated that India is a civilisational country and cited the successful adoption of the Delhi Declaration at the G20 summit. When Ling interrupted the response, George asked her to let him finish and attributed certain narratives to reports by ignorant NGOs. The incident sparked a debate on media conduct and diplomacy. In a separate development, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, advising them to stop being obstructionists and stating that a responsible opposition does not engage in fear-mongering over the economy.