Modi’s refusal to take query from Norwegian journalist sparks debate on media’s role in democracy

“Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” a journalist with the Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen asked as the Indian leader was leaving the podium he and his Norwegian counterpart had addressed a joint press meet on Monday.

This question by Helle Lyng Svendsen has ignited a debate about the role of the press in a democracy – and put attention on the Indian prime minister’s refusal to address press conferences.

After Modi, who was on a five-nation tour of the United Arab Emirates and Europe, departed without acknowledging Svendsen’s query, she posted a video on social media, saying that she had not expected the Indian leader to take her question.

“Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, Emirates and Cuba,” she said. “It is our job to question the powers we cooperate with.”

Primeminister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to.

Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, Emirates & Cuba.

It is our job to question the powers we cooperate… pic.twitter.com/vZHYZnAvev— Helle Lyng (@HelleLyngSvends) May 18, 2026

On social media, Bharatiya Janata Party supporters claimed that Svendsen...

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