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India rejected reported remarks attributed to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights during Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands. The exchange kept the focus on New Delhi's defence of its democratic record and on reported Dutch concerns already under discussion.
PM Modi-Rob Jetten meeting (Photo- X/Narendra Modi)
UPDATED: May 18, 2026 08:46 IST
India on Sunday strongly pushed back against reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten over press freedom and minority rights in the country, with the Centre asserting that such observations stem from a “lack of understanding” about India’s democratic and civilisational character.
The response came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, after a Dutch journalist raised questions about the absence of a joint press interaction and referred to concerns over media freedom and the rights of minorities, including Muslims and smaller communities.
Replying to the query, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic record and diversity, saying the country remained a vibrant and pluralistic society where all communities continued to flourish.
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Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
May 18, 2026 08:46 IST
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