We assist significance of free press: US on India banning BBC documentary on PM Modi

On the latest controversy surrounding the documentary on PM Modi, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price has stated that Washington helps free press all over the world and that it’s a matter of utmost significance.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 26, 2023 09:06 IST

A file picture of US State Department spokesperson Ned Price (AP)

By India Today Web Desk: The US State Department has stated it’s excessive time to spotlight the significance of democratic rules like freedom of expression and make it a degree all over the world, in addition to in India.

The assertion by Ned Price, the US State Department spokesperson, got here within the wake of the latest controversy surrounding the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a briefing on Wednesday, the US State Department stated that Washington helps free press all over the world and that it’s a matter of utmost significance to spotlight democratic rules like freedom of expression.

Upon being requested if the ban on the BBC documentary is a matter of press freedom or freedom of speech, Price stated, “We support the importance of a free press around the world.”

“We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles, such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, as human rights that contribute to the strengthening of our democracies. This is a point we make in our relationships around the world. It’s certainly a point we’ve made in India as well,” he added whereas responding to the question.

Last week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and distanced himself from the BBC documentary collection, saying he “doesn’t agree with the characterisation” of his Indian counterpart.

The BBC’s two-part collection on PM Narendra Modi’s tenure because the Chief Minister of Gujarat (through the 2002 riots) is in main controversy and therefore, was faraway from social media platforms.

The Ministry of External Affairs responded to the BBC story by claiming that it was totally biased.

“We think this is a propaganda piece. This has no objectivity. This is biased. Do note that this hasn’t been screened in India. We don’t want to answer more on this so that this doesn’t get much dignity,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had whereas he addressed a weekly presser in New Delhi.

Published On:

Jan 26, 2023