‘Go to court’: MEA’s sharp response during tense exchange with Norwegian journalist over rights questions

A press interaction linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Europe visit turned tense after senior Indian diplomat Sibi George had a sharp exchange with a Norwegian journalist who questioned India’s human rights record and media freedom during a briefing in the Netherlands.

The exchange took place during a media interaction following Modi’s bilateral engagements in the Netherlands. The journalist reportedly raised concerns related to press freedom, minority rights and democratic institutions in India, while also questioning why Prime Minister Modi had not addressed such issues during his overseas interactions.

Responding firmly, Sibi George said India’s constitutional and judicial institutions were capable of addressing such matters and told the journalist, “Go to court.” The remark quickly drew attention online and sparked debate over the handling of questions concerning India’s democratic and human rights record during international visits.

George also defended India’s democratic framework and said the country had an independent judiciary, a vibrant media ecosystem and constitutional safeguards. According to reports, he rejected what he described as selective narratives and external attempts to lecture India on internal issues.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not separately issued a formal statement on the exchange so far. However, Indian officials have repeatedly maintained in recent years that concerns regarding rights, media freedom and governance are matters to be addressed within India’s democratic and legal framework.

The incident occurred during Modi’s ongoing multi-country Europe visit, which has focused largely on trade, technology partnerships, investment cooperation and strategic ties with European nations. The Prime Minister has held meetings with leaders from Sweden, the Netherlands and the European Union during the trip.

Questions around civil liberties and press freedom have periodically surfaced during Modi’s foreign visits, especially from sections of international media and rights organisations. The Indian government has consistently rejected external criticism on these issues, arguing that India remains a functioning democracy with strong institutions and electoral accountability.

Sibi George is a senior Indian Foreign Service officer who has previously served as ambassador to multiple countries, including Kuwait, Switzerland and Japan. He is currently accompanying official diplomatic engagements linked to the Prime Minister’s Europe tour.