May 21, Kathmandu – In a grand auditorium in Oslo, the capital of Norway, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre were both reading their prepared statements. Everyone present was already aware that there would be no Q&A session. After concluding their speeches and shaking hands, as they were leaving, a sharp question from a journalist suddenly broke the silence of the hall. Helle Ling Swensen, a reporter from the Norwegian daily Dagsavisen, asked Prime Minister Modi why he declined to answer questions despite Norway having one of the most independent presses worldwide. Surrounded by security, Modi exited the hall without responding. This incident has since sparked significant debate across global media.
Modi, who has been in power for 12 consecutive years, addressing various foreign parliaments and captivating massive public gatherings, is increasingly criticized for repeatedly avoiding questions from journalists. Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he has never held a full-fledged press conference, a fact now attracting harsh criticism internationally.
The Indian National Congress’s recent claim titled “Modi-0, Rahul-129” underscores this disparity in a political context. According to the Congress, from 2014 to 2026, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has conducted 129 press conferences, while Modi has not held any full press conferences during this time. However, there have been some rare diplomatic exceptions. In June 2023, Modi answered limited questions at a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden, an event described by Reuters as a “rare press conference.” At the same time, U.S. National Security Spokesperson John Kirby expressed appreciation for Modi’s participation in that press conference.
Modi’s reluctance to face journalists itself has become international news. This pattern is not limited to domestic Indian politics but is also evident during foreign visits. According to the BBC, Modi has never held a solo press conference since taking office and remains unwilling to face direct questions even during overseas visits. The recent incident in Norway attracted widespread attention, especially since the pointed question came from a journalist from the country that ranks first in the global press freedom index for 2026. Norway holds the top position according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), while India ranks 157th out of 180 countries, a drop of six positions compared to the previous year.
Journalist Helle Ling later clarified on social media that she is neither a spy nor an agent of a foreign government. She stated that, given Norway’s top ranking and India’s 157th position, it was her duty to question collaborative partners. Following her question, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded promptly, dismissing the remarks as speculations spread by non-governmental organizations. Nevertheless, Helle Ling has faced a massive wave of online trolling, including accusations that her Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended by Meta.
The recent event in Norway recalling Modi’s avoidance of the press evokes memories of a historic incident 43 years ago. On June 15, 1983, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Kåre Willoch during her Norway visit. Later that year, in October, Indira Gandhi participated in the American TV program Meet the Press and faced questions directly. Modi’s pattern of avoiding press engagement thus highlights a marked shift in India’s political and democratic character over the decades.
Modi’s aversion to press conferences is not new on the international stage. He has faced criticism in countries ranging from Germany to the United States. In 2017, during a joint press conference with then U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C., The Washington Post reported that no questions were permitted. Similarly, in 2022, at a joint conference in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Indian authorities requested that journalists not be allowed to ask questions. During the 2023 G-20 summit in New Delhi, when Modi had bilateral talks with President Biden, American journalists were barred from entry, prompting the White House Press Secretary to remark that holding a press conference in Vietnam would be easier.
During Modi’s 2026 visit to the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed concerns about pressure on press freedom and the treatment of minorities, including Muslims, in India. When Dutch journalist Ashwant Nandaram asked pointed questions, the Indian side dismissed them citing “misunderstandings.”
Facing questions risks triggering intense online trolling. For example, in June 2023, when Wall Street Journal journalist Sabrina Siddiqui inquired about the protection of rights for Muslim minorities in India, she faced trolling based on religion and background. The White House condemned the harassment. Three years later, similar cyber attacks against Norwegian journalist Helle Ling confirm growing digital pressure to deter journalists from questioning Modi.
Analysts suggest three main reasons for Modi’s avoidance of the press: First, sensitive issues such as the condition of Muslims and minorities, communal violence, and “bulldozer justice” pose diplomatic challenges when questioned. Second, India’s declining press freedom and democratic indicators—Sweden’s V-Dem Institute classifies India as an electoral autocracy, with its ranking dropping from 65th in 2014 to 105th in the 2020s. Third, Modi’s close ties to major industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani result in avoidance of related questions. In February 2025, when questioned by an American journalist about the Adani issue, Modi was unable to respond beyond quoting “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Helle Ling also posed questions at a press conference held by India’s Ambassador to Norway and the Ministry of External Affairs. Indian diplomats attempted to respond for about 17 minutes but limited themselves mostly to topics like India’s 5,000-year-old culture, COVID management, and yoga. The Wire criticized the weak responses as a “tightly controlled script” akin to “scripted journalism” concerning free press issues.
Meanwhile, diplomatic and political controversies in India have intensified over the West Bengal Assembly elections and the Election Commission’s special revision campaign. The Quint reported approximately 9.1 million voter names removed from electoral rolls, many from minority-dominated and Trinamool Congress strongholds. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has challenged this in the Supreme Court. This controversy has further strengthened international scrutiny over the protection of voting rights in India.
At a 2023 Washington press conference, Modi responded to Sabrina Siddiqui’s questions by emphasizing his government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Efforts of all). He asserted that democracy is deeply rooted in the blood of Indians. However, as Modi’s 12-year tenure concludes, the global community is carefully observing whether his slogans have truly translated into reality.
