Global Debate on Press Freedom Intensifies During Modi's Visits
Raising Questions on Press Freedom
In May, during a visit to Oslo, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng confronted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a provocative question: "Why don't you take some questions from the freest press in the world?" This inquiry seems to have ignited a broader dialogue that has now reached Australia and New Zealand. Following a similar question posed to an Indian diplomat in New Zealand, Lyng expressed her satisfaction on social media, noting the expansion of this important discussion beyond Norway. Her comments came after an Australian reporter remarked on Modi's tendency to avoid unscripted press conferences.
Lyng expressed her hope that the dialogue regarding press freedom in India would continue to gain traction internationally. She stated, "It is encouraging to see that other nations are engaging in discussions about the decline of press freedom in India," after observing the New Zealand exchange circulate online. She emphasized the role of journalists from countries like Norway and New Zealand in raising such critical issues during visits from world leaders.
Reflecting on the backlash she received after the Oslo incident, Lyng suggested that the criticism was worthwhile if it helped maintain the focus on press freedom. She remarked, "The scrutiny of my character was worth it if it keeps the conversation alive," adding that she felt a sense of accomplishment in contributing to the discourse.
Lyng also challenged the Indian government's claim that Modi prefers direct engagement with the public over press conferences, questioning whether this meant he regularly meets with citizens to address their concerns. She noted, "I have not seen him engage directly with the Cockroach [Janta] Party, which is a grassroots movement. Correct me if I am wrong."
Reviving the Debate in New Zealand and Australia
New Zealand, Australia Revive the Debate
The recent discussions were reignited when a journalist in Auckland asked Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, why Modi had not held a press conference during his New Zealand visit. Tandon defended the Prime Minister's approach, highlighting Modi's regular communication through public speeches and interactions, while referencing India's democratic framework.
Additionally, a clip from Modi's visit to Australia circulated widely, where a reporter noted, "This is about as close as you would get to Narendra Modi on his trip to Melbourne. He famously avoids unscripted news conferences, preferring more stage-managed appearances." This video was shared extensively by opposition leaders and commentators in India, reigniting the ongoing debate regarding Modi's avoidance of solo press conferences since he took office in 2014.
The issue first gained international attention during Modi's visit to Norway in May, when Lyng confronted him during a joint media appearance. After Modi did not respond, she later questioned MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George about press freedom and human rights in India. George dismissed the criticism, asserting that India is the "mother of democracy" and citing the Constitution, judiciary, media, and civil society as evidence of its democratic values.
In India, the exchange quickly became politically charged, with BJP leaders praising George's response while opposition parties argued that it underscored Modi's reluctance to face unscripted questions. Questions about Modi's media engagement have arisen repeatedly during his tenure. Although he frequently addresses election rallies and grants interviews to selected media outlets, he has not held a solo press conference since 2014. The only notable instance of him taking questions from journalists occurred during a joint press appearance with US President Joe Biden at the White House in June 2023, where he stated, "Democracy is in our DNA," emphasizing that there is "absolutely no space for discrimination" in India.