NEW DELHI: The Indian government has strongly rejected allegations of human rights violations raised by Norwegian media, emphasizing the country's constitutional commitment to justice, liberty, and freedom of expression. This marks the second time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed such allegations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing Europe tour. Earlier, the MEA had responded to queries in the Netherlands regarding remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights in India.
MEA's Response to Queries
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed the media on Monday night, stating, "India is a civilizational country which offered something unique to the world and it continues to offer it." He elaborated that the Indian Constitution guarantees a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, ensuring justice, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, as well as equality of opportunity through fundamental rights and principles.
Context of the Questions
The briefing followed Prime Minister Modi's bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. The query was raised by Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen, who had earlier unsuccessfully attempted to ask Modi a question after his media statement on Monday. Subsequently, the Indian embassy in Norway responded to Svendsen's social media post, inviting her to pose her questions at a press briefing organized by the embassy.
The government's firm stance underscores its commitment to upholding democratic values and addressing any misconceptions about India's human rights record on the international stage.
