India on Monday strongly rejected remarks made by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof regarding press freedom and minority rights, describing the comments as based on a “lack of understanding” of the country’s democratic framework and cultural diversity. The response came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where the two countries discussed expanding cooperation in trade, technology, clean energy, and water management.

Addressing media queries, India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Sibi George, defended India’s democratic values and constitutional structure. He said India remains one of the world’s most vibrant democracies with a long tradition of pluralism and coexistence among different communities. “India is a country where multiple religions have flourished for centuries. Our democratic institutions, free elections, independent judiciary, and active media reflect the strength of our system,” George said.

The Indian side maintained that many international observations on issues such as press freedom and minority rights often fail to consider the country’s historical, social, and cultural complexity. Officials also pointed out that India’s diversity itself stands as evidence of its inclusive social structure. Reports suggested that concerns regarding media freedom and minority rights were raised during public interactions and media engagements surrounding the visit. However, sources indicated that the issue did not dominate official bilateral discussions between the two leaders.

The focus of the meeting remained on strengthening India-Netherlands relations across sectors including semiconductors, climate initiatives, innovation, and economic cooperation. Both countries also explored ways to deepen strategic partnerships amid growing global economic and geopolitical challenges.

India's response reflects its increasingly firm diplomatic stance against foreign criticism on domestic matters. In recent years, New Delhi has repeatedly emphasized that issues related to democracy, governance, and internal affairs should be viewed in the context of India’s constitutional institutions and sovereign processes. Despite the exchange over human rights and media-related concerns, diplomatic ties between India and the Netherlands continue to remain strong, with both nations aiming to expand cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest.