When questions were raised on PM Modi, this super diplomat came forward! Who is CB George?

The heated debate between India’s senior diplomat Sibi George and a Norwegian journalist at a press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway has now become a topic of discussion. During this, questions were raised on issues like democracy, human rights and freedom of press, to which Sibi George responded strongly.

This whole controversy started during PM Modi’s visit to Norway. During this, a female journalist asked PM Modi to answer the questions, but the PM left without saying anything. After this, there was talk of freedom of press. During the press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, tough questions were asked to senior diplomat Sibi George, to which he answered well.

How much do you know about Sibi George?

• Sibi George is currently working as Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs. He is handling India’s role in matters related to Europe, West Asia and many multilateral forums.
• He is a 1993 batch Indian Foreign Service officer and has previously served as India’s Ambassador to Japan, Switzerland, Kuwait, Vatican City, Liechtenstein and Marshall Islands.
• His diplomatic journey started from Egypt’s capital Cairo. After this he also held important responsibilities in Doha, Islamabad and Washington DC.
• At these places he handled political, commercial and consular related matters. He has also held the post of Deputy Chief of Mission in Tehran and Riyadh.
• At the Ministry of External Affairs Headquarters in New Delhi, he has worked in many important departments including the East Asia Division and the India-Africa Forum Summit Coordination Team.

Where is Sibi George from?

Sibi George comes from Kottayam district of Kerala. He has been a gold medalist in both graduation and post-graduation. He has also taken training from prestigious institutes like American University in Cairo, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Indian School of Business. In 2014, he was given the SK Singh Award of the Ministry of External Affairs for his outstanding performance in the Indian Foreign Service.

What is the purpose of PM Modi’s visit?

Prime Minister Modi is currently on a tour of five countries in Europe and Gulf countries. The purpose of this visit is said to be to strengthen India’s strategic, economic and technological relations. The Prime Minister has so far visited UAE, Netherlands and Sweden and after this reached Norway. The last stop of this tour will be Italy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, issues like trade, energy cooperation, emerging technology, green transition and geopolitical cooperation are being discussed during this visit.

Why did CB George come into limelight?

The journalist wrote in his post that Norway ranks first in the World Freedom of Press list, while India’s ranking is much lower. After this the issue reached the official press briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs.

During the briefing, the journalist asked Indian officials why the world should “trust” India and whether the Indian government would answer the questions being raised regarding human rights. The journalist also asked whether Prime Minister Modi would start facing “tough questions” from the media.

What did CB George say in response to Norway journalists?

While answering these questions, Sibi George mentioned India’s democratic traditions and constitutional values. He said that India is a 5,000 year old civilization and believes in democracy, equality and human rights. He also mentioned India’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic and said that India has played the role of a responsible country in global crises. When the journalist interrupted his answer, Sibi George said, “You ask the question, but don’t tell me how to answer.”

What did CB George say about India?

Referring to India’s media structure, he said that many critics fail to understand the vastness and diversity of India. He said that hundreds of news channels work in many languages ​​in India and if any citizen’s rights are violated then constitutional remedies are available for it.

He said, “In 1947, we gave women the right to vote. We achieved independence together and women also got equal rights. In many countries, women got the right to vote many years after India. This is because we believe in equality and human rights. The biggest example of human rights is the right to change the government and the right to vote. This is what is happening in India and we are proud of it.”

He said, “India is the only country in the world where four religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated and are flourishing even today.” He further said that Judaism, Christianity and Islam have also found a place in India for centuries. India is a country where diversity is not just tolerated, but it is deeply ingrained in the society. He said, we are one-sixth of the world’s population, but not one-sixth of the world’s problems.