India Rejects Foreign Concerns Over Rights Issues

(MENAFN) India has dismissed comments made by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten regarding press freedom and minority rights, arguing that such observations arise from a “lack of understanding” of the country’s democratic foundations and long civilizational history.

According to reports, Jetten stated that the Netherlands remains concerned “not just about press freedom” in India, but also about “the rights of minorities, which are under severe pressure there,” noting that these matters are “regularly raised” in discussions with New Delhi.

Responding to the remarks, senior Indian diplomat Sibi George said criticism of India frequently comes from people who do not fully grasp the nation’s complex social structure and democratic traditions. “We face these kinds of questions basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question,” he said.

George emphasized India’s vast diversity, pointing to its population of more than 1.4 billion people and a civilization stretching back around 5,000 years. “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 stated.

Highlighting India’s religious heritage, George added: “There is no other country in the world where four religions have originated.” Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all began in India and continue to be practiced widely across the country.

He further said that the Jewish community has lived in India for over two millennia without persecution, while Christianity and Islam have also maintained a longstanding presence and growth in the country.

George also pointed to demographic changes since independence, saying minority communities once accounted for 11% of the population and now make up more than 20%.

Following talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend, Jetten wrote on social media that both nations place “great importance to democracy, good governance and a world order based on rules and justice.”

Reports noted that criticism from Western governments and organizations regarding India’s domestic policies has surfaced repeatedly in recent years.

Earlier this year, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom called for sanctions against India’s foreign intelligence agency and a social service organization over alleged violations of religious freedom.

MENAFN19052026000045017281ID1111137984