The incident took place after PM Modi addressed the media (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: A little-known Norwegian journalist, Helle Lyng, has suddenly found herself at the centre of a political and social media storm after attempting to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint media briefing in Norway.
The incident took place after PM Modi addressed the media alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during his official visit to Norway. As the briefing concluded, Lyng shouted, “Why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” While it remains unclear whether PM Modi heard the remark, the moment quickly went viral online.
PM Modi conferred with Grand Cross of Royal Norwegian Order, Norway’s highest civilian honour
Soon after the exchange, Lyng posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying Norway ranked first on the World Press Freedom Index while India ranked 157th. Her remarks triggered widespread reactions on social media, with opposition leaders using the incident to question the government over media freedom.
The Indian Embassy in Norway later invited Lyng to a separate media interaction addressed by Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George. The briefing, however, turned tense after Lyng raised questions related to India’s credibility and human rights record.
Videos from the interaction circulated widely online, with many focusing on the sharp exchange between the journalist and Indian officials.
Helle Lyng works with Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen and has also contributed as a freelancer for several Norwegian publications and digital platforms. According to publicly available profiles, she has written on politics, international affairs and social issues.
Her social media activity also came under scrutiny after the controversy erupted. Several users pointed to older posts and articles in which she reportedly criticised former US President Donald Trump and praised China’s development model.
Military Conflicts Can’t Solve Everything: PM Modi calls for dialogue in Ukraine, Mideast crisis
As accusations and conspiracy theories spread online, Lyng publicly denied claims that she was linked to any foreign government or intelligence agency. “My work is journalism,” she wrote on X.
The controversy soon entered India’s political discourse. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several opposition figures criticised PM Modi over the incident, while BJP leaders defended the Prime Minister and accused critics of exaggerating the issue.
Meanwhile, Lyng’s online following surged dramatically within hours, turning the journalist into an unexpected international talking point during PM Modi’s Norway visit.
