Oslo ∙ A Norwegian newspaper has insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The newspaper, *Aftenposten*, published a cartoon that was derogatory toward Modi. In the cartoon, Modi was depicted as a snake charmer.

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The cartoon shows Modi blowing into a turban. In front of him lies a fuel pipe shaped like a snake. The cartoon was shared with the caption: "A wise but slightly unsettling man." Accompanying the cartoon is an article regarding Modi's visit to Norway. This cartoon has sparked a massive uproar on social media. The newspaper has faced criticism for making racially charged remarks. Many have also criticized the publication for portraying India as a land of snake charmers.

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This cartoon appeared shortly after reports surfaced stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declined to answer a question from a journalist in Norway during his European tour. Upon arriving in Oslo alongside the Norwegian Prime Minister, Modi walked past journalist Helle Linge, ignoring her question. The incident became a subject of controversy after Helle posted a video of the encounter on social media. Helle had attempted to reach the elevator in which Modi was present in order to ask her question, but she was stopped by security personnel.

In a speech delivered at Madison Square Garden in the U.S. in 2014, Prime Minister Modi remarked that foreign nations once referred to India as a "land of snakes," but that modern-day India has transformed into a land of "mouse charmers"—individuals who perform wonders using a computer mouse. Prior to this, in 2022, a Spanish newspaper utilized the imagery of snake charmers in a news report covering India's economic growth.