India has one sixth of world's population but not one sixth of World's problems: MEA Secretary Sibi George
Oslo, May 19
India reiterated its firm stance on human rights protection, maintaining its belief in democracy and the country's constitution after a Norwegian newspaper commentator's controversial disruption during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's press statement with Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre.
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George reminded the West that despite India having one-sixth of the total population of the world, the country does not contribute to one-sixth of the problems of the world.
Addressing a press briefing, Sibi George said, "We hear a lot of people asking why this, why that, but let me tell you this. We are one sixth of the total population of the world, but not one sixth of the problems of the world. We have a constitution which guarantees the fundamental rights of the people. We have equal rights for the women of our country, which is very important.
Sibi George reminded us that India gave equal rights to women from the first day of independence, unlike many other countries, displaying its firm belief in equality and human rights.
"In 1947 we gave the freedom to vote to our women. We got the freedom together and got the right to vote from day one. I know many countries where voting rights for women came after several decades. We believe in equality; We believe in human rights. If anyone whose rights are violated, they have the right to go to court. We are proud to be a democracy." he said.
Sibi George said that people don't understand the extensive reach of India's media ecosystem and make statements after reading some reports published by "ignorant NGOs".
"You know how many stories are up here. We have how many breaking news coming every day in the evening. At least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in the English language, in Hindi language and multiple languages. People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding. They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions," he said.
This came in response to a post on X by a Norwegian newspaper commentator who said PM Modi did not take her question. She also talked about India and Norway's ranking in World Press Freedom Index.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting perspective, but I think it's fair for western commentators to ask tough questions about press freedom. India has a huge media ecosystem, but that doesn't mean all voices are heard equally. Still, the point about women's voting rights from 1947 is powerful.
Well said! The West loves to lecture us, but they should look at their own record first. India gave women voting rights decades before many European countries. And our media is vibrant - 200 TV channels just in Delhi proves that 🇮🇳
I appreciate the sentiment, but we should also be honest about our challenges. Yes, we have constitutional protections, but implementation is often lacking. Still, the MEA Secretary is right to call out selective criticism from the West.
As someone who follows global affairs, I find this response refreshing. India is often judged by Western standards without understanding its scale and diversity. The comment about 'ignorant NGOs' might be harsh, but there's truth in it.
While I support our government's stance, I wish they'd address valid criticisms like press freedom more directly instead of dismissing critics. We have a strong constitution, but freedom of expression faces real challenges today. Still, proud of our democracy! 😊
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.