A major diplomatic and social media row has erupted following the publication of a highly controversial cartoon by Norway’s largest broadsheet newspaper, Aftenposten, which depicts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “snake charmer”. The illustration has drawn widespread condemnation online, with critics, journalists, and citizens calling it “blatantly racist,” “derogatory,” and deeply rooted in old colonial-era stereotypes.

The cartoon, created by illustrator Marvin Halleraker, accompanied an opinion piece written by staff commentator Frank Rossavik ahead of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Oslo for the India-Nordic summit. The article featured a headline that auto-translates from Norwegian to “A clever and slightly annoying man” (or “A cunning and slightly disturbing man” in alternative translations). In the visual caricature, the Prime Minister of the world’s most populous country is shown cross-legged, holding a fuel-station pump nozzle shaped like a serpent rising out of a basket.

Lingering colonial mindsets in Western media

The “snake charmer” trope has historically been used by European colonial powers as an Orientalist shorthand to portray India as an exotic, primitive, and backward civilization rather than a technologically advancing global power. Netizens quickly highlighted the hypocrisy and irony of the imagery, noting that Western media frequently falls back on archaic visual slurs when they cannot counter India’s modern achievements, such as its massive digital public infrastructure and leading GDP growth rates.

The controversy has also drawn parallels to a similar incident in October 2022, when a prominent Spanish newspaper faced intense backlash for using snake-charmer symbolism to illustrate India’s economic rise. Social media users pointed out the deep irony that the Prime Minister himself has previously spoken at global forums—including his famous 2014 Madison Square Garden speech—about how India has successfully transitioned from being stereotyped as a “land of snake charmers” to a globally recognized powerhouse of technology-driven “mouse charmers”.

Simmering press row in Oslo

The inflammatory cartoon landed right in the middle of an already tense situation during the Prime Minister’s state visit to Norway. Earlier, a confrontation sparked online after a local commentator, Helle Lyng, publicly questioned why the Prime Minister did not open the floor to media queries during a joint press appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Lyng recorded the interaction and posted it on social media platforms, questioning whether international partners should trust New Delhi amid allegations concerning press freedom and human rights.

Responding firmly to the allegations during a subsequent press briefing, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Secretary, Sibi George, vehemently defended the nation’s democratic framework and robust press environment. The diplomat rebuked critics for forming highly distorted opinions based on selective reports published by “ignorant NGOs” without understanding the sheer scale, depth, and institutional complexity of modern India.

He highlighted that Delhi alone possesses at least 200 vibrant 24/7 news channels broadcasting across English, Hindi, and regional languages. The diplomat concluded by reaffirming that the Constitution fully guarantees fundamental rights and provides comprehensive legal remedies to all its citizens, countering the narrative pushed by sections of the European commentariat.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government, saying the party “will be removed from power in Delhi in the coming days” following the Trinamool Congress’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

According to reports, Mamata Banerjee made the remarks during a meeting with TMC MLAs and senior party leaders at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata. She reportedly urged party workers not to lose morale and asked them to continue strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level.

The statement comes days after the BJP secured a historic victory in West Bengal, ending the Trinamool Congress’s long rule in the state. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari recently took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister after the party won a clear majority in the Assembly elections.

During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee also reportedly accused the BJP of using pressure politics and “bulldozer culture” against opposition parties. She signalled that the TMC would continue to oppose the BJP aggressively at the national level despite losing power in Bengal.

The political atmosphere in West Bengal has remained tense after the election results. Several TMC leaders have questioned different aspects of the polls, while the BJP has dismissed the allegations and described the result as a mandate for political change in the state.

The BJP’s victory marked a major political shift in Bengal politics. After years of emerging as the principal opposition force, the party finally crossed the majority mark in the 2026 Assembly election and formed the government in the state.

Political observers believe Mamata Banerjee’s latest remarks are aimed at keeping opposition unity alive nationally while the Trinamool Congress focuses on rebuilding its organisation in West Bengal after the electoral defeat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rome, Italy, marking the final and crucial leg of his five-nation international tour. Commemorating the significant visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended a warm welcome to her Indian counterpart by sharing a candid selfie on the social media platform X. The photograph, captured against the illuminated backdrop of the historic Colosseum—originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre—instantly took the internet by storm. Sharing the post, Meloni affectionately captioned it, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” alongside the national flags of Italy and India.

The viral image quickly generated massive traction online, amassing millions of views and thousands of interactions within hours. Social media users globally celebrated the popular diplomatic reunion, frequently referring to their camaraderie with the trending “Melodi” moniker, a portmanteau representing the close friendship between the two leaders. This follows similar high-profile social media moments between them, including a viral selfie video during the G7 summit in Apulia in 2024 and a popular click at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023.

Strong diaspora welcome and official engagements

Upon touching down at the airport, PM Modi was formally received by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. Following his arrival, the Prime Minister received an enthusiastic welcome from members of the Indian diaspora at his hotel. He witnessed vibrant cultural performances and interacted closely with the gathering, even signing an autograph for a young child who presented him with a hand-drawn portrait. PM Modi also viewed an Indian culture-inspired painting depicting the traditional ghats of Varanasi, created by a local Italian artist.

Taking to X to acknowledge his arrival from Oslo, Norway, where he had been participating in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, PM Modi outlined the strategic objectives of his visit. He confirmed that he will be holding high-level discussions with both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Boosting economic and strategic cooperation

The ongoing state visit lands at a time of robust momentum for India-Italy relations, as both nations actively look to review and advance the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. “This visit will focus on how to boost India-Italy cooperation, especially focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC),” PM Modi stated, underlining the massive infrastructure and connectivity project that remains a core focal point for both administrations.

In addition to the bilateral dialogues, the Prime Minister’s itinerary includes an official visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) located in Rome, reinforcing India’s commitment to global food security and multilateral diplomatic efforts.