‘Colonial mindset’: Norwegian newspaper publishes cartoon of PM Modi as snake charmer, calls him ‘a cunning and slightly irritating man’; triggers massive backlash

A major controversy has erupted over a cartoon of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi published by a Norwegian newspaper on Wednesday. The illustration portrayed PM Modi as a snake charmer, triggering sharp criticism on social media and reigniting debate over how India is depicted in sections of the Western media. Critics accused the publication of relying on colonial-era stereotypes and presenting a distorted image of India. The cartoon further intensified the ongoing controversy surrounding PM Modi’s official visit to Norway, during which a journalist questioned him over allegations that he avoids media questions in India.

The cartoon, published by Norwegian daily Aftenposten , showed Modi holding a fuel pump hose shaped like a snake. It accompanied an opinion article titled “A Cunning and Slightly Disturbing Man.”