India Rejects Dutch Concerns Over Media Freedom and Minority Rights During Modi’s Netherlands Visit
India defended its democratic values and diversity after questions were raised in the Netherlands about minority rights and press freedom during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
The Indian government has strongly rejected concerns raised in the Netherlands regarding media freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit, even as both countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.
The response came from Sibi George, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, during a media interaction in The Hague. He was responding to questions from Dutch journalists about reports that Dutch Premier Rob Jetten had expressed concerns over the condition of minorities and press freedom in India.
Although George said he had not personally seen the remarks attributed to Jetten, he described such questions as arising from a misunderstanding of India’s social and democratic structure.
Highlighting India’s diversity, George spoke about the country’s long history of coexistence among different religions and cultures. He said India is home to immense religious, linguistic and cultural diversity and pointed out that several major religions have flourished in the country for centuries.
He noted that Jewish communities had lived in India for over 2,500 years without persecution and said Christianity reached India long before it spread widely in Europe. He also said Islam arrived in India during the time of Prophet Muhammad and continued to grow peacefully.
George stated that people facing persecution in different parts of the world historically found shelter in India and were able to live freely.
Defending India’s democratic system, he said the country’s large number of smartphone users reflected the openness of communication and freedom of expression. According to him, India remains a “noisy democracy” where people freely express opinions and where media and public debate continue actively.
He also stressed that India’s economic progress had been achieved without compromising democratic values. George pointed out that India has remained one of the world’s fastest growing major economies for decades.
The visit also marked significant developments in India Netherlands relations. Both nations agreed to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership and signed several agreements focused on cooperation in technology and water management.
During the visit, Tata Electronics signed an agreement with Dutch technology company ASML for the development of a major semiconductor facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
India also expressed interest in benefiting from Dutch expertise in water management. A joint statement issued after the talks said both sides acknowledged progress made under the Strategic Partnership on Water and agreed to deepen cooperation in the sector.
The leaders additionally discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia and expressed concern over the situation. They called for lasting peace and stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and uninterrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.