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India said criticism from the Netherlands reflects a misunderstanding of its democratic and pluralistic character.
PM Narendra Modi with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jatten. Photo: X/@narendramodi

‘Learn more about India’: New Delhi rejects Dutch PM's concerns on press freedom, minority rights

| @indiablooms | May 18, 2026, at 03:31 pm

New Delhi/IBNS: India on Saturday rejected Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten's remarks regarding press freedom and minority rights, stating that such observations reflected a lack of understanding of the country’s democratic institutions and civilisational diversity.

The response came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands.

'India is a vibrant democracy'

Addressing the media in The Hague, Sibi George said India guarantees freedom of expression and remains one of the world’s most diverse and pluralistic democracies.

He said questions of this nature generally arise from a limited understanding of India’s history and social fabric.
 
George described India as a civilisation more than 5,000 years old and highlighted its diversity in language, religion, food and culture.

India highlights tradition of religious coexistence

The senior diplomat noted that Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism all originated in India and continue to flourish in the country.
 
He also said Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities have maintained a long-standing presence in India.
 
According to George, India has a unique record of religious coexistence and democratic inclusion.

Response to concerns on press freedom, minority rights

The issue surfaced after a Dutch journalist asked why no joint press interaction was held during Modi’s visit and raised concerns about press freedom and the rights of minority communities.
 
George said India’s democratic strength was reflected in its electoral participation and peaceful transfers of power.
 
He referred to recent elections in India, saying voter turnout exceeded 90 percent in several regions.
 
George said India’s development had progressed through democratic means without compromising constitutional values.
 
He added that minority communities continue to thrive in India.
 
According to him, minorities accounted for around 11 percent of the population at Independence and now represent more than 20 percent.
 
He said this demonstrated India’s inclusive character and urged observers to understand the country in greater depth.

What Dutch PM said

It remains unclear whether Jetten made the reported remarks directly.
 
According to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, Jetten said before meeting Modi that the Dutch government had concerns about developments in India, including press freedom and the rights of minority communities.
 
In a separate social media post, Jetten said India and the Netherlands shared a strong commitment to democracy, good governance and a rules-based international order.
 
He also referred to an ongoing child custody case that has featured in previous diplomatic discussions between the two countries.
#India rejects Dutch remarks # press freedom India # minority rights India # Narendra Modi Netherlands visit # Rob Jetten India comments # Sibi George MEA

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