India rejects Dutch PM’s remarks on media freedom and minority rights

AMSTERDAM: The Central Government has rejected concerns raised by the Dutch Prime Minister over declining media freedom and alleged attacks on the rights of religious minorities in India. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification after the Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten commented that there is a decline in the freedom of expression in India. Foreign Secretary Sibi George said that India is a democratic country and guarantees freedom of expression to everyone.

He was speaking to the media during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Sibi George said such remarks are made because of a “basic lack of understanding” about India’s history, democracy, and cultural diversity.

He also claimed that the minority population in India, which was around 11 percent at the time of Independence, has now increased to more than 20 percent. According to him, such growth cannot be seen in many other parts of the world. The Foreign Ministry also said India remains committed to ensuring freedom for all religious communities.

During the meeting between Narendra Modi and Rob Jetten, the two countries signed 17 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in different sectors. Both sides agreed to increase collaboration in defence, minerals, trade, investment, semiconductors, space, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.