Norwegian Newspaper Criticized for Snake Charmer Cartoon of PM Modi, Sparks Diplomatic Row

A cartoon published by Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer has triggered widespread backlash online and sparked accusations of racism and colonial stereotyping. The illustration, published alongside an opinion article in the Norwegian daily, quickly drew criticism from social media users and commentators who described the imagery as offensive and outdated. The controversy has also reignited debate over international portrayals of India and the limits of political satire.

The cartoon reportedly showed Narendra Modi playing a traditional “pungi” instrument while attempting to charm a snake shaped like a fuel pump nozzle, an apparent reference to rising petrol and diesel prices. The illustration accompanied an opinion piece whose translated title reportedly described the Indian Prime Minister as “a clever and slightly annoying man.” Critics argued that the use of snake-charmer symbolism revived colonial-era stereotypes historically used to portray India in Western media and popular culture.

Several users on social media platform X condemned the cartoon as xenophobic and disrespectful toward India’s elected leader. Some pointed out that Modi himself had referenced the stereotype during a speech at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2014, where he remarked that India had transformed from a nation once associated with “snake charmers” into a country of “mouse charmers,” referring to India’s expanding technology and information technology sectors. Critics of the Norwegian publication argued that the cartoon distorted that earlier message and reduced India to a dated caricature.

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The controversy has also drawn attention because it follows another recent diplomatic exchange involving Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng, who had questioned why Prime Minister Modi did not take questions during a joint media appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The Indian government later responded through senior diplomat Sibi George, who criticised what he described as limited understanding among some foreign observers regarding India’s scale, media landscape, and democratic institutions.

At the same time, reactions online were not entirely one-sided. While many users described the cartoon as insensitive and culturally offensive, others defended the publication under the principle of press freedom and political satire. Some critics also argued that sections of the Indian media should focus more on asking difficult questions domestically instead of reacting strongly to foreign criticism. The differing responses highlighted broader global debates surrounding freedom of expression, satire, political commentary, and cultural sensitivity.

So far, neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Indian government has issued an official statement specifically addressing the cartoon. However, the controversy has added to ongoing discussions about how India and its leadership are represented in international media. Analysts noted that similar incidents in the past, including controversies involving European publications using snake-charmer imagery while discussing India’s rise, have repeatedly triggered criticism over the persistence of colonial stereotypes in modern global discourse.

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