Helle Lyng, Norway Journalist Whose Question PM Modi Ignored, Now Seeks Rahul Gandhi Interview

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng has contacted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on X, days after a viral exchange with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Oslo. Lyng asked whether Rahul Gandhi could speak over the phone on Tuesday, Norwegian time, saying an interview would help understand Rahul Gandhi’s view of Modi’s visit to Norway.

Lyng sent the message as a direct reply to Rahul Gandhi’s post that carried a short clip from Narendra Modi’s Norway trip. In that video, Modi was seen walking away while Lyng tried to ask a question. Rahul Gandhi shared the clip while sharply criticising the prime minister’s conduct during the interaction.

Helle Lyng PM Modi Norway press freedom row draws Rahul Gandhi into debate

Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, "When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear. What happens to India's image when the world sees a compromised PM panic and run from a few questions?" Rahul Gandhi also accused Narendra Modi of "panicking and "running away", linking the incident with broader concerns about India’s democratic standing.

I’m ready! https://t.co/StHxnPpt5f

— Helle Lyng (@HelleLyngSvends) May 19, 2026

The video that triggered the political exchange showed Helle Lyng calling out to the Indian prime minister as the event wrapped up in Oslo. In the clip, Lyng could be heard asking, "PM Modi, why don't you take questions from the freest press in the world?".— HelleLyngSvends (@HelleLyngSvends) Her question drew attention worldwide.

Helle Lyng PM Modi Norway press freedom comments spark embassy response

Helle Lyng later posted the full footage on X and added a critical note about press freedom rankings. Lyng wrote: "Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to. Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, the Emirates & Cuba. It is our job to question the powers we cooperate with."

India’s embassy in Norway reacted online soon after Lyng’s post about Narendra Modi and press freedom. The mission invited Lyng and others to a detailed media briefing on the visit. Its message read, "The Embassy is organizing a press briefing on the Prime Minister's Visit this evening at 9:30pm at hotel Raddisson BluPlaza hotel. You are most welcome to come and ask your questions there."— IndiainNorway (@IndiainNorway)

Helle Lyng PM Modi Norway press freedom questions challenge MEA officials

During the press briefing in Oslo, officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs handled pointed questions from Norwegian journalists. Helle Lyng attended and pressed Indian representatives on rights and accountability. Lyng asked, "Why should we trust you? Can you promise you will stop the human rights violation that goes on in your country? Will the prime minister start taking critical questions from the Indian press?"

MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George answered at length, defending India’s political system and laws while responding to Helle Lyng’s press freedom concerns. George, who appeared visibly annoyed at interruptions, said, "Please don't interrupt me." George then moved to describe India’s population share, constitutional rights and legal remedies available to Indian citizens facing rights violations.

Sibi George told the Norway media that India’s democracy and guarantees for citizens needed to be viewed in context.

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."

Continuing his response on human rights, elections and press freedom, George said, "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 added. George also highlighted the size and range of India’s television and news sector to counter charges about media space.

On India’s media environment, George said, "You know how many stories are up here. 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.

They read one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions." George said questions about Narendra Modi taking direct press queries should be addressed through officials managing such visits, adding, "I have been doing that and I will continue to do that," as scrutiny over Helle Lyng’s encounter and Norway’s press freedom ranking continued.