West must reflect before lecturing on press freedom

Western democracies should examine their own media record before questioning India's press freedom.

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There are still some organisations and leaders in India who labour under the misconception that democracy and press freedom in the United States and Britain are flawless and superior.

Especially those institutions that receive heavy funding from Western countries, or leaders like Rahul Gandhi who seek applause by criticising India on foreign soil, along with a section of activist-style journalists and writers, attempt to mislead Indians by citing reports from foreign media.

The reality, however, is that India has more newspapers, magazines, television news channels and digital platforms than any other country in the world. Despite pressure and opposition, hundreds of journalists and writers-more in Hindi and Indian languages than in English-continue to expose shortcomings in governance as well as social and economic systems. As Western countries publish annual reviews, their Indian followers should also be made to look at the West's own mirror. It would then become clear that they do not need to lecture India; instead, they should focus on correcting their own declining standards.

According to the 2025 Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, the United States ranks 57th out of 180 countries, with press freedom weakening compared to previous years. Key reasons cited include economic pressure, financial instability of news organisations, and a hostile environment for journalists. Many media houses are struggling financially, resulting in suppression of dissenting voices. American media is also facing increasing political pressure, particularly when political groups and leaders openly attack critical reporting.