PM Modi Cartoon Triggers Racism Debate As Norwegian Publication Draws Criticism
A cartoon in Norway’s *Aftenposten* depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer sparked global outrage, accused of reinforcing colonial-era stereotypes and racism. The controversy intensified during Modi’s state visit, where he avoided media questions, while critics linked the cartoon to broader concerns about press freedom and Western media bias toward India.
Norway’s *Aftenposten* newspaper faced sharp criticism after publishing a cartoon showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer, holding a fuel pump hose shaped like a snake. The illustration accompanied an opinion piece titled *‘A clever and slightly annoying man’* and appeared amid growing questions about Modi’s refusal to take media questions during a joint event with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The cartoon triggered accusations of racism and colonial-era stereotyping, with Indian officials and social media users condemning the imagery as disrespectful and outdated. Critics argued the depiction reinforced long-standing Western narratives of India as a land of ‘snake charmers,’ despite the country’s technological and economic progress. The backlash grew after journalist Helle Lyng publicly questioned Modi’s lack of interaction with the press during the joint appearance, recording the moment and sharing it widely on social media. Both leaders left the stage without addressing the question, further fueling outrage over the cartoon and broader concerns about press freedom in India. The controversy drew comparisons to a 2022 incident involving a Spanish publication, which also used snake-charmer imagery in reporting on India’s economic growth. Commentators accused Western media of perpetuating colonial-era biases, ignoring India’s modern identity and diverse, technology-driven society. India’s Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sibi George defended the country’s democratic and media landscape, arguing that foreign critics often misunderstood India’s scale and complexity. George highlighted India’s vast news ecosystem—including 200 TV channels in Delhi alone—and dismissed claims by ‘ignorant NGOs’ as misinformed. The row underscored tensions between India’s global ambitions and perceptions of its representation in international media.
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