A cartoon published by leading Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten during Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway has triggered controversy online, with many social media users accusing the publication of promoting racist stereotypes about India.
The illustration appeared alongside an opinion article just hours before Modi arrived in Oslo. The headline of the commentary roughly translated to “A clever yet annoying man” and discussed India’s growing strategic interest in the Nordic region.
Cartoon sparks backlash online
The illustration portrayed Modi as a snake charmer, with a fuel station pipe depicted as the snake. The image quickly spread across social media platforms and drew criticism from users who argued it relied on outdated and offensive Western stereotypes about India.
Many pointed out that the “snake charmer” image has historically been used by sections of Western media to portray India as primitive, exotic or backward. Critics described the depiction as xenophobic and racially insensitive.
The controversy revived memories of a similar incident in 2022 when Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia faced criticism for using a snake charmer illustration while discussing India’s economic rise.
Modi himself has previously spoken against such portrayals. During a 2014 visit to the United States, he remarked that India had moved from being known for “snake charmers” to doing “magic with the mouse,” referring to the country’s technology sector and computer expertise.
A similar statement was made by Modi in 2013 while addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Youth Convention in Gandhinagar, where he said India’s image had evolved from a nation of snake charmers to one associated with innovation and technology.
Press freedom debate during Norway visit
The controversy around the cartoon emerged alongside a separate debate involving press freedom during Modi’s Norway visit.
The issue gained attention after Norwegian commentator Helle Lyng posted a video on X showing Modi leaving a joint press interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre without taking her question.
In the video, Lyng can be heard asking why Modi would not take questions from “the freest press in the world.”
Norway currently ranks first on the World Press Freedom Index, while India recently slipped from 154th to 157th position.
The issue later carried over into a press briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs after Lyng questioned why Norway should trust India while referring to allegations concerning human rights and press freedom.
Responding on behalf of India, diplomat Sibi George defended New Delhi’s credibility and said India’s long civilisational history demonstrated why it remained a trustworthy international partner.
