Indian Prime Minister's Avoidance of Press Conferences and Media Criticism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's avoidance of press conferences during foreign visits, raising issues about press freedom and minority rights internationally...

Scraper SystemMay 25, 2026, 06:30 PM

Indian Prime Minister's Avoidance of Press Conferences and Media Criticism

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign trips spanning from the United Arab Emirates to Italy, his avoidance of press conferences and failure to respond to journalists' questions drew attention. A journalist of Indian origin in the Netherlands asked why a joint press conference between the Indian and Dutch prime ministers was not held, and a journalist from the Norwegian media, described as a free press, requested to question Modi in Norway, bringing international criticism of India's press freedom and minority rights back into focus.
Responses from Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Sibi George to these questions included frequently used official statements aimed at neutralizing criticism. George argued that India is a multi-religious and pluralistic country, that the minority population is increasing, and that the country is a large democracy, but these statements were not found convincing by critics.
Additionally, the comparison of young activists to 'cockroaches' by Indian Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant and his negative attitude towards activists using social media and the right to information ignited debates on social activism and freedom of expression in the country. These remarks increased concerns about freedom of expression and democratic rights in the country.
Finally, the satire group named 'Cockroach Janata Party' gained a wide following on social media despite government censorship attempts, highlighting the tension between freedom of expression and state control in India.