Norwegian journalist Helle Ling has defended her confrontation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Norway, saying it is the duty of a free press to question powerful leaders and reject “controlled” political manifestations.
In a comment published in the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, Laing wrote her now-viral question to Modi: “Why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” – It was rooted in Norway’s commitment to freedom of the press.
“I do not celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day on Sunday just to refrain from using my freedom of the press on Monday,” she wrote in the article.
Viral moment during Modi’s visit to Oslo
The controversy erupted earlier this week during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Oslo to attend the India-Nordic summit. In a joint press appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Sture, the two leaders left without taking any questions. As they walked out, Laing, a journalist for the Norwegian daily Dagsavisen, shouted at Modi and asked him why he was not answering questions from “the freest press in the world.”
Lyng later posted the video on X, where it went viral.
She followed this up by pointing to Norway’s top ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, and India’s much lower position, saying: “Our job is to question the forces with which we cooperate.”
“Journalism is confrontational sometimes.”
In her comment, Hailey Laing said that democratic societies must allow journalists to openly challenge leaders, especially visiting heads of government.
She said she rejected the idea of foreign leaders dictating the terms of access to media in Norway. In defense of hostile journalism, she wrote that reporters should seek answers from those in power rather than simply accept “talking points.”
After the clip went viral, Ling also responded to the criticism and abuse directed at her on social media.
“Journalism is confrontational sometimes. We seek answers,” she wrote in a separate X post. “If anyone I interview, especially one with authority, does not answer what I ask, I will try to interrupt and get a more focused answer. This is my job and my duty.”
She also denied allegations circulating online that she was acting on behalf of a foreign government, saying: “I am not a foreign spy of any kind.”
A tense exchange at the Middle East Airlines conference
The incident later escalated at a Ministry of External Affairs press conference in Oslo, where Ling directly questioned Ministry of External Affairs (West) Secretary Sibi George about human rights concerns in India and why journalists should “trust” the Indian government.
George responded with a lengthy defense of India’s democratic system, constitutional protections and global contributions, citing India’s elections, judiciary, Covid vaccine diplomacy and civilizational history.
Tension escalated after Ling repeatedly sought “specific” answers, prompting George to say: “Please don’t interrupt me,” and “You’re asking a question, and you’re not asking me to answer in a certain way.”
A separate row also broke out online after some users claimed Ling had walked away during George’s response. She later explained that she only briefly stepped away “to get a glass of water.”
Political reactions in India
The incident quickly sparked political reactions in India. Congressman Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi over the incident, saying: “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.”
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya defended the Prime Minister, arguing that the Norwegian PM also did not take questions during the joint appearance and accused critics of amplifying the “incoherent statements of the crooked journalist”.
Ling responded by saying that the Norwegian Prime Minister later interacted separately with journalists, including the Indian Media Squad.
