Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng defended her remarks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Oslo, saying questioning leaders is a journalist’s “job and duty”
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit has triggered renewed discussion around media freedom after a Norwegian journalist publicly questioned him over the absence of an open press interaction during an official event in Oslo.
The moment unfolded after Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre concluded their joint media statement without taking questions. As the leaders exited, journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen of Dagsavisen asked, “Why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?”
The clip quickly went viral and sparked intense reactions online, both in India and abroad. While critics viewed the exchange as a reflection of concerns over press access and transparency, supporters of the Prime Minister argued that official diplomatic engagements often follow tightly structured schedules with limited media interaction.
Responding to criticism and trolling on social media, Lyng later clarified on X that she was “not a foreign spy of any sort” and defended her approach to journalism. “Journalism is sometimes confrontational. We seek answers,” she wrote, adding that questioning those in power is part of a journalist’s responsibility.
Lyng also referred to the World Press Freedom Index, noting Norway’s top ranking and India’s position at 157. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Oslo invited her to attend an official media briefing by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The episode also drew political reactions in India, including remarks from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeting the Prime Minister over the incident.
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