OSLO, Norway — May 20, 2026
A political cartoon published by leading Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway has sparked controversy on social media, with critics accusing the publication of promoting racial stereotypes and outdated portrayals of India.
The controversy emerged shortly before PM Modi arrived in Oslo as part of his diplomatic outreach to Nordic nations. The cartoon appeared alongside an opinion article discussing India’s growing strategic interest in Northern Europe and the Nordic region.
In the illustration, PM Modi was depicted as a traditional snake charmer playing a flute-like instrument, while the snake was replaced with a fuel pump hose. The article’s headline reportedly translated to “a clever but troubling man,” further fueling online debate around the newspaper’s editorial choices.
The image quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from Indian users, political commentators, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Many critics argued that the cartoon revived long-standing Western stereotypes that historically portrayed India through images associated with snake charmers, elephants, mysticism, and superstition. Several users described the depiction as culturally insensitive and reflective of outdated colonial-era narratives.
The “snake charmer” imagery, once commonly used in Western media representations of India, has increasingly faced criticism from academics and diversity advocates in recent years. Critics argue that such portrayals reinforce xenophobic perceptions and reduce a complex modern nation to simplistic stereotypes.
Some social media users defended the publication on the grounds of political satire and freedom of expression, while others maintained that the cartoon crossed the line into racial caricature.
The controversy has also reignited broader debates over how international media outlets portray non-Western leaders and cultures, particularly during high-profile diplomatic visits.
Prime Minister Modi’s Norway trip is part of India’s continuing efforts to strengthen cooperation with Nordic countries in areas including energy, trade, green technology, and strategic partnerships.
As of now, Aftenposten has not publicly responded to the backlash surrounding the cartoon.
The incident comes at a time when global media organizations are facing growing scrutiny over cultural representation, editorial responsibility, and the balance between satire and racial sensitivity in political commentary.
