India on Sunday (May 17) rejected the reported comments made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on media freedom and minority rights in the country. In a firm rebuttal, New Delhi said that such concerns arise from “lack of understanding” about India’s history, cultural diversity and democracy. This comes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed questions raised by reporters during a media conference.“We face these kinds of questions basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question,” George said at the Hague.“India is a country of 1.4 billion people, the largest populated country in the world. A country of civilisation of more than 5000 years old. It’s a diverse country – diversity in terms of culture, diversity in terms of languages, diversity in terms of food, diversity in terms of religion,” he said.Describing India’s electoral process as evidence of the country’s democratic strength, he said, “Recently, we had elections. You need to know what the level of participation was. More than 90 per cent of the electorate voted. This is the beauty of India.”Calling India a “vibrant democracy”, George said that the country has progressed economically to eliminate poverty without compromising on democratic principles. “We did not go for violence to eliminate poverty. We went through the democratic process to eliminate poverty,” he said.“We are one-sixth of the total population of the world but not one-sixth of the problems of the world. This is the beauty of India which makes us proud. Every minority thrives,” he added. “When we became independent, the minority population in India was 11 per cent. Now it is more than 20 per cent. Name a country where the population of minorities has gone up.”

India rejected reported Dutch PM Rob Jetten’s remarks on media freedom and minority rights, saying critics lack understanding of India’s diversity, democracy and strong minority representation.

India on Sunday (May 17) rejected the reported comments made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on media freedom and minority rights in the country. In a firm rebuttal, New Delhi said that such concerns arise from “lack of understanding” about India’s history, cultural diversity and democracy. This comes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed questions raised by reporters during a media conference. “We face these kinds of questions basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question,” George said at the Hague. “India is a country of 1.4 billion people, the largest populated country in the world. A country of civilisation of more than 5000 years old. It’s a diverse country – diversity in terms of culture, diversity in terms of languages, diversity in terms of food, diversity in terms of religion,” he said. Describing India’s electoral process as evidence of the country’s democratic strength, he said, “Recently, we had elections. You need to know what the level of participation was. More than 90 per cent of the electorate voted. This is the beauty of India.” Calling India a “vibrant democracy”, George said that the country has progressed economically to eliminate poverty without compromising on democratic principles. “We did not go for violence to eliminate poverty. We went through the democratic process to eliminate poverty,” he said. “We are one-sixth of the total population of the world but not one-sixth of the problems of the world. This is the beauty of India which makes us proud. Every minority thrives,” he added. “When we became independent, the minority population in India was 11 per cent. Now it is more than 20 per cent. Name a country where the population of minorities has gone up.”

India rejected reported Dutch PM Rob Jetten’s remarks on media freedom and minority rights, saying critics lack understanding of India’s diversity, democracy and strong minority representation.

‘Lack of understanding’: MEA rejects Dutch PM’s remarks on media freedom, minority rights in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after landing in Netherlands for the second leg of his five-nation tour met the Indian Diaspora in Hague on Saturday (May 16). As he took the stage, he was welcomes by loud cheers by the huge crowd that gathered to hear him.&nbsp;As soon as he started his speech and praised the contribution of Indians living in the Netherlands and talked about their contribution in building a strong image of India abroad, the crowd turned emotional chanting and applauding the Prime Minister as he spoke.&nbsp;“Whenever I had a conversation with the leadership of the Netherlands, they always praised the Indian diaspora. Every Indian is proud of your contribution to the society and economy of the Netherlands,” said Modi addressing the Indian Diaspora.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-2026-another-aspirant-commits-suicide-after-cancellation-of-exam-over-paper-leak-row-1778914378041">NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam over paper leak row</a>&nbsp;He also hailed the energy of the people who had come in large numbers to witness him speak at the venue.&nbsp;“Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only,” Modi said, as quoted by the Statesman.“It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship,” he added as the crowd cheered and screamed.&nbsp;According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;

According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after landing in Netherlands for the second leg of his five-nation tour met the Indian Diaspora in Hague on Saturday (May 16). As he took the stage, he was welcomes by loud cheers by the huge crowd that gathered to hear him. As soon as he started his speech and praised the contribution of Indians living in the Netherlands and talked about their contribution in building a strong image of India abroad, the crowd turned emotional chanting and applauding the Prime Minister as he spoke. “Whenever I had a conversation with the leadership of the Netherlands, they always praised the Indian diaspora. Every Indian is proud of your contribution to the society and economy of the Netherlands,” said Modi addressing the Indian Diaspora. ALSO READ: NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam over paper leak row He also hailed the energy of the people who had come in large numbers to witness him speak at the venue. “Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only,” Modi said, as quoted by the Statesman. “It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship,” he added as the crowd cheered and screamed. According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;

PM Modi meets Indian diaspora in Hague, greeted by loud cheers and applause

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‘Lack of understanding’: MEA rejects Dutch PM’s remarks on media freedom, minority rights in India

PM Modi meets Indian diaspora in Hague, greeted by loud cheers and applause