Rob Jetten publicly raised concerns about minority rights, press freedom, and the rule of law in India ahead of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s official visit to the Netherlands.
Speaking to local Dutch media before a dinner meeting at the Catshuis, the official residence of the Dutch Prime Minister, Jetten acknowledged that the Netherlands and several European Union member states are closely watching what they describe as “developments in India” under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
According to leading Dutch newspapers de Volkskrant and NRC, Jetten highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of minorities, freedom of the press, and democratic institutions in India.
The issue resurfaced during a special media briefing held by Indian officials following the dinner meeting. A Dutch journalist referred to Jetten’s earlier remarks and asked Indian representatives about concerns related to Muslims and other minority communities in India.
Responding firmly, Sibi George from India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the criticism, saying such questions reflected a “lack of understanding” about India and its democratic system.
The exchange highlights the growing international debate surrounding human rights, religious freedom, and media independence in India, issues that have increasingly drawn attention from Western governments, global watchdogs, and civil society groups in recent years.
Despite the differences, both India and the Netherlands continue to maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties, with discussions during the visit also expected to focus on trade, technology, climate cooperation, and strategic partnerships.