A whole ecosystem is “using the freedom available” to hurl allegations at “us” through editorials, TV channels, and social media, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UK-based Financial Times in an exclusive interview at his New Delhi residence. 

In the “rare interview and additional written responses”, the PM addressed allegations about India’s alleged role in murder plots in the US and Canada, and answered questions on constitutional amendments, India’s Muslim minority, China, and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.   

The interview comes amid the uproar in Parliament over a security breach and the suspension of 143 MPs from the House. 

Responding to a question on his government’s alleged crackdown on his critics, Modi said, “Our critics are entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them. However, there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticisms.”

On a question about changes to the constitution, Modi said talks about it were “meaningless” and that “most transformative steps” had been undertaken by his government “without amending the constitution” and through public participation.

On allegations about an Indian government agent’s involvement in the alleged murder plot against Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the killing of another Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Modi said India will look into the evidence. 

He said that India and the US share a “mature” relationship, of which “security and counter-terrorism co-operation” has been a key component. “I don't think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

He iterated that the “foremost guiding principle in foreign affairs” for India is its national interest. 

Recently, Modi also gave an interview to Hindi news daily Dainik Jagran. He had earlier given an interview to the US-based Wall Street Journal in June. The publication had highlighted that Modi “gives many speeches but fewer news conferences and interviews”. Read here.