New Delhi: India on Sunday strongly rejected remarks made by Dutch political leaders regarding media freedom and minority rights, asserting that the country remains a vibrant democracy where all communities coexist and flourish.
The response came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where India and the European nation elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and signed agreements across 17 sectors. Addressing concerns raised during the visit, senior diplomat Sibi George said such criticism stemmed from a “lack of understanding” about India’s social and democratic structure.
George highlighted India’s vast diversity, pointing out that the country of 1.4 billion people represents one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a history stretching back over 5,000 years. He said India’s cultural and religious inclusiveness sets it apart globally.
Emphasising religious harmony, George noted that Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism all originated in India, while followers of other major faiths also found refuge and prosperity in the country over centuries. He pointed to the long standing Jewish community in India, saying it had lived peacefully in the country for more than 2,500 years without facing persecution.
He also underlined the deep roots of Christianity and Islam in India, stating that Christianity arrived in the country long before it spread across much of Europe, while Islam reached Indian shores during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. According to him, communities from different religions have continued to thrive in India across generations.
Addressing questions on media freedom, George described India as a “noisy democracy” where freedom of expression and press freedom remain protected. He cited the scale of public participation in elections as evidence of the country’s democratic strength and political engagement.
The diplomat further argued that India’s minority population has steadily increased since independence, saying this reflected the country’s inclusive environment. He maintained that India’s democratic framework allows all communities to grow and participate equally in national life, while stressing the importance of better global understanding of India’s social and political realities.
