Indian officials have pushed back against criticism from the Netherlands regarding press freedom and minority rights, attributing the concerns to a 'lack of understanding' of India's diversity and history.

During a press briefing in The Hague, Indian foreign ministry secretary Sibi George stated that India is a 'noisy democracy' where everyone enjoys freedom of speech and press, and that the country's history of religious tolerance is often misunderstood.

India also condemned a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, calling it a 'dangerous escalation' and urging restraint and a return to diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a four-nation European tour to bolster energy and technology ties, having visited the Netherlands and Sweden before arriving in Norway.

Source: www.dw.com