‘Snake Charmer’ Image of PM Modi Published in Norway Sparks Row

A controversy erupted after Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten published a cartoon depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “snake charmer” during his recent visit to Norway. The cartoon, published alongside an opinion piece titled *“A clever and slightly disturbing man,”* triggered widespread criticism on social media and among Indian political and diplomatic circles. Many people described the illustration as racist and accused the newspaper of promoting outdated colonial stereotypes about India. The cartoon showed PM Modi holding a pipe similar to a snake charmer’s instrument, while a fuel pipe emerging from a wooden box resembled a snake. Critics argued that the image reinforced the old Western stereotype of India as a “land of snake charmers,” despite the country’s modern global status. Social media users claimed that parts of the Western media still view India through a colonial lens and fail to acknowledge its economic and political rise. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal strongly condemned the cartoon, calling it deeply offensive and racially insensitive. He criticized Norway for using derogatory imagery against a country of more than 1.4 billion people and argued that the cartoon reflected shallow thinking in Western journalism. American commentator Carl Welles also condemned the publication, describing it as “colonial-era racism disguised as commentary.” The controversy came shortly after PM Modi’s Norway visit had already attracted attention over media freedom concerns. During a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng attempted to ask PM Modi questions related to human rights and press freedom in India. However, the Indian Prime Minister did not take questions from the media, sparking criticism both in Norway and India. Helle Lyng later posted on social media expressing disappointment over not receiving a response. She pointed out that Norway ranks first on the global Press Freedom Index, while India ranks much lower. The issue soon turned political in India, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizing PM Modi for avoiding questions from journalists. Rahul Gandhi stated that leaders with nothing to hide should not fear answering the media. In an unexpected twist, journalist Helle Lyng later reached out to Rahul Gandhi on social media, requesting an interview to discuss PM Modi’s Norway visit and its political implications. The incident has since fueled debate over media freedom, Western perceptions of India, and diplomatic sensitivity in international journalism.