Norwegian journalist Helle Laing made headlines in India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Norwegian capital Oslo last week. Laing became at the center of the row after she called Modi in Oslo and asked why he was not answering questions from “the freest press in the world.” Modi was exiting a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Sture when Laing intervened.
Ling, who became very famous in India after she shared the video of the incident on X, has since given several interviews about the incident. One interview in particular stood out where she was asked about her knowledge of India and her understanding of politics and democracy here.
“I love Indian food and yoga”
When a journalist asked her what she knew about India and whether she had ever visited the country, Ling almost remained silent, and ended up saying that she loved Indian food and yoga.
“I am loyal to my job of asking critical questions,” she said in an interview with NDTV, then paused, seemingly searching for an answer. She then said: “My impression of India is that it is a great country. The people of India have been very supportive. I love Indian food. I love yoga too. I have a very good impression of India and its people. But I also question freedom of the press and human rights violations.”
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The interviewer then pointed out that enjoying Indian curry or yoga is not the same as knowing India. “Have you been to India?” Journalist Ling asked. Ling replied: “I was going to go during 2020 but couldn’t because of the pandemic. I didn’t study India. India is not an area I cover either. But I read a lot about it in newspapers and I also read reports about freedom of the press. I’m really excited to learn more. I’m excited to follow the discussions more and I have a lot to learn.”
In a comment published in the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, Laing defended her confrontation with Modi, saying that it is the duty of the free press to question powerful leaders and reject “controlled” political manifestations.
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The journalist wrote that her now-viral question to Modi was: “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 in order to refrain from using my freedom of the press on Monday,” she wrote in the article.
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.”
Ling also raised questions about India’s human rights violations at a press conference held by the Ministry of External Affairs during Modi’s trip to Europe. India has categorically rejected allegations of human rights violations and highlighted the country’s constitutional values of justice, liberty and freedom of expression.
This was stated by Sippy George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, while responding to Helle Ling Svendsen’s question on why India should be trusted in light of its alleged human rights violations.
This was after Ling tried unsuccessfully to ask Modi a question after he and Storr made their media statements without taking questions from the press.
Subsequently, the Indian Embassy in Norway responded to Ling’s social media post on the issue and said that she was “highly welcome to come and ask your questions” at a press conference organized by the mission.
