During a media briefing in Norway linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Senion Indian diplomat Sibi George strongly defended India after a journalist questioned the country’s record on democracy, human rights and press freedom.
His response quickly spread online.
“People have no understanding of the scale of India,” he said during the exchange.
“They read, you know, one or two news reports published by some godforsaken, ignorant NGOs and then come and ask questions.”
The moment instantly grabbed attention across social media.
Sibi George's viral Norway exchange
The exchange happened after a Norwegian journalist questioned India’s record on democracy, press freedom and human rights during a press interaction.
George responded by highlighting the scale and diversity of India’s media ecosystem and democratic structure.
He pointed out that India has hundreds of television channels across languages and said many outsiders misunderstand the country by relying on selective reports.
He also defended India’s constitutional structure, equal voting rights and democratic processes.
“We have a constitution which guarantees the rights of the people,” he said.
He further added that India gave women voting rights from the time of independence and described the right to vote and change governments as one of the strongest examples of democratic freedom.
Who is Sibi George?
Sibi George is a senior Indian diplomat currently serving as Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Originally from Kerala’s Kottayam district, George belongs to the Podimattam family of Pala.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1993 and has spent decades handling India’s diplomatic and strategic engagements across multiple countries.
Over the years, he has worked in Indian missions in:
- Cairo
- Doha
- Islamabad
- Washington DC
- Tehran
- Riyadh
His work reportedly included handling political, diplomatic and commercial affairs in these postings.
Which countries has Sibi George served in?
Before becoming Secretary (West) at the MEA, Sibi George represented India as ambassador to several countries.
He has served as India’s envoy to:
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Kuwait
- The Marshall Islands
- The Holy See
- Liechtenstein
He has also worked at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi, including divisions linked to East Asia and the India-Africa Forum Summit coordination team.
What is Sibi George’s educational background?
George reportedly received gold medals during both his graduation and post-graduation studies.
During his academic years, he also attended the American University in Cairo.
He later underwent training at several major Indian institutions, including:
- LBSNAA
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bengaluru
- ISB Hyderabad
In 2014, he received the SK Singh Award for Excellence in the Indian Foreign Service.
Is Sibi George from Kerala?
Yes. Sibi George is from Kerala’s Kottayam district and belongs to the Podimattam family of Pala.
On the personal front, he is married to artist Joice John Pampoorethu. The couple has three children — two daughters and a son.
(With agency inputs)
