'Lack Of Understanding': India Rejects Dutch PM's Allegations On Press Freedom, Minority Rights

Last Updated:May 17, 2026, 17:43 IST

MEA Secretary Sibi George dismissed Dutch PM Rob Jetten's concerns over the treatment of minorities in India, saying India was a "vibrant democracy" with free speech for all.

India on Sunday flatly rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of minority rights in the country, assuring that it is a “vibrant democracy" that offers space to all religions.

The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, at The Hague, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded the Netherlands leg of his multi-nation diplomatic tour by officially elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership and striking deals in 17 key areas.

In response to Dutch PM Rob Jetten’s concerns over the treatment of minorities in India, George said, “We face these kinds of questions basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question. India is a country of 1.4 billion people, the largest populated country in the world. A country of civilization of more than 5000 years old. It’s a diverse country."

Religious Freedom In India

George also highlighted India’s cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, saying there was no other country where four religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – had originated. He also stressed how people from major religions found a home in India and thrived.

“India has all the major religions in the world came to India. The Jewish religion was in India for more than 2500 years. Continuously coexisted. India is perhaps only one of those very few countries where the Jewish population never faced persecution. This is the beauty of India," he added.

He also pointed out that Christianity came to India much before Europe and had a 30-million strong community in the country. “Islam came to India during the time of Prophet Muhammad himself and flourished in India. Every religion. Whenever any part of the world there was persecution in the past, they all came to India and thrived in India," he said.

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