“Questions Show Lack of Knowledge,” India Tells Dutch Media

India has strongly reacted to comments made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Zetten regarding media freedom and minority rights in the country. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, the Dutch leader reportedly expressed concerns about press freedom and the treatment of minorities in India, according to Dutch newspaper *De Volkskrant*. The Indian government firmly rejected these remarks, saying they were based on a misunderstanding of India’s democratic and social structure. Responding to questions from Dutch journalists in The Hague, senior Ministry of External Affairs official Sibi George stated that such criticism often comes from “a lack of understanding” about India’s history, democracy, and cultural diversity. The issue surfaced during a media interaction when a Dutch journalist asked why there was no joint press conference between the two leaders. The question also referred to concerns raised in the Netherlands over media freedom and the rights of Muslims and other minority communities in India. In response, Sibi George defended India’s democratic values and highlighted the country’s long-standing civilizational history. He said India is a vibrant democracy where freedom of speech is guaranteed to all citizens. According to him, many international concerns about India arise because outsiders do not fully understand the country’s complex social and democratic fabric. George further emphasized that India is a 5,000-year-old civilization known for its cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. He said India remains committed to democratic principles and inclusive development. The sharp exchange reflects growing sensitivity around international criticism of India’s internal matters, especially on issues related to media freedom and minority rights. The Indian government has repeatedly maintained that such topics are internal affairs and that India’s democratic institutions are strong and independent. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Netherlands focused mainly on strengthening bilateral ties, trade cooperation, and strategic partnerships between the two countries. However, the media freedom remarks became a major talking point during the visit and drew significant attention from both Indian and international media.