Ego and Explanations: The MEA’s Defense of Press Freedom in Norway

The Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) recent response to criticisms from Norwegian journalists and politicians about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of press freedom during his visit to Norway has sparked a broader debate about India’s democratic institutions. The MEA’s defense, led by Secretary (West) Sibi George, is marked by assertive explanations and dismissive put-downs that raise questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The MEA’s emphasis on India’s size and population stands out in its response. In a statement echoing nationalist sentiment, GEorge pointed out that India accounts for one-sixth of the world’s population but only one-sixteenth of its problems. This argument can be seen as an attempt to deflect criticism by implying that India’s scale and complexity make it impossible for outsiders to fully understand the country’s challenges. However, this perspective also reinforces a long-standing perception about India – that it is either too big or too difficult for others to comprehend.

The MEA has also criticized international observers who rely on reports from “ignorant NGOs.” This response can be seen as an attempt to delegitimize criticism by labeling those who disagree with the government’s stance as uninformed or biased. However, this approach misses the point – that India’s press freedom record and human rights situation are legitimate areas of concern for observers around the world.

India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index is a matter of public record, and its position at 157th out of 180 countries is a cause for concern. The MEA’s dismissive attitude towards this criticism only serves to reinforce the perception that the government is more interested in defending its reputation than in engaging with legitimate concerns about press freedom.

The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s joint media interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has highlighted the government’s sensitivity to criticism from abroad. The MEA’s decision to invite Helle Lyng, a Norwegian journalist who was critical of PM Modi, to attend an official press briefing later in the evening raises questions about the government’s willingness to engage with critics.

The episode has sparked a partisan row, with opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh targeting PM Modi over his handling of the joint media interaction. The MEA’s response, led by BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, has been defensive and dismissive, accusing the opposition of being “on the take” from those who want to see a weak India.

The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s visit to Norway highlights a broader pattern – that of an increasingly assertive government uncomfortable with criticism from abroad. As India continues to navigate its complex relationships with other countries, it would do well to remember that transparency and accountability are essential components of any functioning democracy.