Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday (May 18, 2026) took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that he did not take questions from journalists in Norway, saying "when there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear".

The Congress leader made these remarks on X, while sharing a video of a journalist in Norway, where Mr. Modi was seen walking away as she tried to ask a question.

"What happens to India's image when the world sees a compromised PM panic and run from a few questions?" Mr. Gandhi said on X.

MEA reply on press freedom

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (May 18, 2026), while responding to a question on press freedom and human rights in India, highlighted the scale and diversity of the country’s media landscape, stating that many people misunderstand India after reading reports published by “ignorant NGOs”.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng, during the media briefing, questioned the alleged human rights violation in India and added: “Will the PM take critical questions from the Indian Press?”.

Addressing the press conference, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said, “You know how many stories are up here. We have how many breaking news coming every day in the evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, in Hindi language and multiple languages. People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding. They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions.”

The MEA Secretary (West) said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens and provides legal remedies in cases of rights violations. Highlighting India’s democratic values, he said the country ensured equal voting rights for women from the time of independence.

Mr. George further stated that India believes in equality and human rights, adding that the right to vote and change of governments remains the strongest example of democratic freedom.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a six-day five-nation tour, arrived in Oslo earlier in the day to attend the third India-Nordic Summit and hold key bilateral engagements with Nordic leaders.

(With inputs from ANI)