Modi faces hard questions in Europe, raising press freedom concerns in India

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Europe, concerns over press freedom and restrictions on journalism in India have once again come into the spotlight.

According to international media reports, including Al Jazeera, tough questions raised by journalists during Modi’s visit to Norway sparked renewed criticism over the state of press freedom in India.

The World Press Freedom Index 2026 ranks India 157th out of 180 countries, highlighting concerns over declining media freedom, as reported by Al Jazeera.

It is also reported that during his 12 years in power, Modi has not held a single full press conference and has often avoided direct questions from international media.

A Norwegian journalist, Helle Lingsvansen, questioned Modi about why he avoids facing what she called the “world’s freest media.”

When asked about human rights issues in India, a senior Indian official reportedly gave an unrelated response instead of directly addressing the question.

Following a tense exchange with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, it was also claimed that social media accounts linked to Indian networks targeted and influenced the suspension of the journalist’s Meta account.

Dutch Prime Minister has also previously expressed concerns about press freedom in India and the pressure faced by minorities, especially Muslims.

Experts say that India’s media environment, along with controversial laws affecting minorities, has led to growing international criticism.

Analysts further believe that the falling press freedom ranking reflects increasing restrictions on journalism under Modi’s leadership, while the reactions to tough questions have also exposed online propaganda activities linked to political supporters.