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India rejects press freedom concerns raised during PM Modi’s Oslo visit

India rejected criticism over press freedom and human rights during PM Narendra Modi’s Oslo visit, with MEA official Sibi George defending the country’s democratic system.

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India rejects press freedom concerns raised during PM Modi’s Oslo visit

India firmly pushed back against concerns over press freedom and human rights raised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oslo, with a senior Ministry of External Affairs official describing certain international NGO reports as “ignorant” and lacking an understanding of India’s scale and diversity.

The remarks came during a media interaction in Norway, where a journalist questioned India’s democratic credentials and asked why the country should be trusted on issues related to media freedom and minority rights.

Responding to the query, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s constitutional framework and democratic institutions. He said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and provides legal remedies for citizens if those rights are violated.

“We are one-sixth of the total population of the world, but not one-sixth of the problems of the world,” the diplomat said while stressing that India believes in equality, human rights and the rule of law.

He also highlighted the size and diversity of India’s media ecosystem, pointing to the large number of television channels and multilingual news coverage operating across the country. According to him, many foreign observers fail to fully understand India’s complexity and instead rely on selective reports published by NGOs.

The exchange took place during PM Modi’s Norway visit, where he held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on trade, green technology, blue economy and investment cooperation.

The sharp response from the Indian side also followed recent criticism reportedly linked to remarks from Dutch political leaders concerning press freedom and minority rights in India. New Delhi had rejected those observations as well, calling India a vibrant democracy with strong constitutional protections.

India highlights democratic framework during Norway visit

During the interaction, the Indian diplomat reiterated that the country follows the rule of law and maintains democratic accountability through courts and constitutional mechanisms. He said India’s diversity and scale often make it difficult for outsiders to fully understand domestic debates and governance challenges.

PM Modi’s Norway visit is part of broader diplomatic engagements with Nordic countries aimed at strengthening partnerships in trade, clean energy, technology and maritime sectors.

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Three Indians reported missing after attack on vessel off Oman coast, Centre monitoring situation

Three Indian nationals have been reported missing after an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to trace the missing crew members.

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Strait of Hormuz

Three Indian nationals have been reported missing following an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies as efforts continue to locate the missing individuals.

The incident occurred in waters off Oman, where the vessel came under attack amid heightened security concerns in the region. While details surrounding the circumstances of the attack are still emerging, officials confirmed that three Indian nationals remain unaccounted for.

Government monitoring developments

The MEA said it is actively engaged in tracking developments related to the incident. Indian authorities are maintaining contact with concerned stakeholders and are working to gather more information about the condition of the vessel and the status of the missing crew members.

The attack has renewed concerns over maritime security in and around the Gulf region, an important route for international shipping and energy supplies. Recent incidents involving commercial vessels have highlighted the risks faced by seafarers operating in the area.

Search and response efforts underway

Efforts are underway to determine the whereabouts of the missing Indians. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the individuals, and further updates are expected as search and coordination efforts continue.

The Indian government has assured that it is closely following the situation and will provide assistance as required while continuing engagement with local authorities and maritime agencies.

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Iran warns US to leave region after fresh strikes near Strait of Hormuz

Iran has warned the United States to leave the region if it wants safety after fresh US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says it will respond to any attack or threat against its interests.

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Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States following fresh American strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, saying that any threat to its territory or interests would be met with a response from its armed forces. The latest exchange has further heightened tensions in the Gulf region, a key corridor for global energy shipments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that “intruding outsiders” should leave the region if they wish to remain safe. His remarks came after the United States carried out new military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, an area that has remained at the centre of the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The latest US action follows a series of military incidents linked to the strategic waterway. According to reports, American forces targeted sites they believed posed a threat to US personnel and maritime traffic operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Growing concerns over regional stability

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, making any military escalation in the area a matter of international concern. Previous confrontations in the region have triggered worries about disruptions to shipping and global oil supplies.

Iran has repeatedly accused the United States of violating understandings aimed at reducing hostilities, while Washington has maintained that its military actions are defensive measures intended to protect its forces and commercial navigation.

The renewed exchange of warnings and strikes comes at a time when efforts to ease tensions have faced repeated setbacks, raising concerns about the possibility of further escalation in the region.

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PM Modi becomes India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, receives congratulations from world leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entered the record books as India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. The milestone was marked by congratulatory messages from several world leaders praising his leadership and contribution to global affairs.

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PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a major political milestone by becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing the record previously held by Jawaharlal Nehru. The achievement marks another landmark in Modi’s political career, which began when he first assumed office in May 2014.

Leaders from several countries congratulated the Prime Minister on the occasion, praising his leadership and his role in strengthening India’s position on the global stage. Many highlighted his contribution to international cooperation, economic growth and the interests of developing nations.

Modi has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to three consecutive general election victories, securing terms in 2014, 2019 and 2024. His uninterrupted tenure has made him the longest-serving elected head of government in India’s democratic history.

The milestone comes as the Modi government completes 12 years in office. During this period, the government has focused on areas including infrastructure development, digital transformation, welfare initiatives and economic reforms.

Congratulatory messages from international leaders reflected India’s growing influence in global affairs and acknowledged Modi’s role in strengthening diplomatic partnerships with countries across different regions.

The Prime Minister is also expected to continue his international engagements in the coming weeks, with diplomatic visits and global forums remaining a key part of India’s foreign policy outreach.

As Modi crosses this historic milestone, political observers view it as a significant moment in India’s democratic journey and a reflection of his sustained electoral success over more than a decade.

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