Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is being bashed online for avoiding questions from a Norwegian journalist during his visit to Oslo for the India-Nordic Summit.
As per the details, Hella Lyng, a Norwegian journalist, attempted to question Modi following his bilateral meeting with Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store. When he did not respond, she followed him toward the elevator. The doors closed before she could reach him.
“Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question. I was not expecting him to,” she then wrote on X, noting that Norway held the top position on the World Press Freedom Index while India sat at 157th, alongside Palestine, the Emirates and Cuba.
In a subsequent post, accompanied by a video of the elevator incident, she wrote: “Tried to ask PM Modi a question on the way to the elevator too, but the closing doors stopped me. What I was wondering was whether he thinks he deserves the trust of the Nordic countries given his human rights violations and his restrictions on press freedom.”
The incident generated significant traction online, with YouTuber Dhruv Rathee reposting Lyng’s video with the caption, “International Bezzati [humiliation] for Modi.”
“Global embarrassment for India,” one user wrote. Others echoed the sentiment as Modi also drew renewed scrutiny over his record on press freedom.
Another said, “Real leaders answer questions. Modi has been in power 12 years with almost zero open press conferences. That’s not strength, that’s fragility.”
“Looks like the elevator doors closed faster than the chances of getting an unscripted answer from Modi. Tough questions on human rights and press freedom always seem to make the room uncomfortable,” wrote one.
Another remarked, “My man had never seen a journalist approach him like this in his entire life. I bet he was shivering.”
Some reactions also pointed to the contrast between Modi’s media presence at home and his behaviour abroad. “Indian Godi media need to learn something from this journalist – what courage,” one user posted.
Another wrote, “Our ‘Vishwaguru’ PM claims to be non-biological, yet avoids even basic press conferences. So many years in power, and still no open unscripted interaction with journalists. Looks like the camera is only welcome when the questions are controlled.”
Others attributed the interaction to a lack of preparation, noting, “Lack of practice, guys… this is how a pampered kid struggles outside the comfort of home.”
The India-Nordic Summit aims to strengthen strategic and trade ties between India and the five Nordic nations. Modi’s attendance marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Norway in 43 years, since Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1983.
