Oslo: Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng on Tuesday responded to criticism and online attacks following her remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Norway, asserting that she was “not a foreign spy of any sort”.

“I never thought I would have to write this, but I am not a foreign spy of any sort, sent out by any foreign government. My work is journalism, primarily in Norway now,” Lyng wrote on X amid the backlash on social media over her comments at a joint media appearance involving Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo.

In another post, she wrote, “Journalism is sometimes confrontational. We seek answers. If any interview subject, especially with power, does not answer what I asked, I will try to interrupt and get a more focused response. That is my job & duty. I want answers and not just talking points.”

The journalist had drawn attention after asking Modi why he would not take questions from the media following the leaders’ press statements on Monday.

“Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press of the world?” Lyng was heard asking as Modi exited the podium alongside Store after the media interaction.

Later, Lyng shared the video of the moment on X and wrote, "Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question. I was not expecting him to."

Referring to the latest World Press Freedom Index rankings, she added, "Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, the Emirates and Cuba."

"It is our job to question the powers we cooperate with," she further wrote.

The Embassy of India in Oslo later responded to Lyng on X, inviting her to attend a media briefing by officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding Modi’s visit to Norway.

The episode also triggered political reactions in India, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taking a swipe at the Prime Minister over the incident.

“What happens to India's image when the world sees a compromised PM panic and run from a few questions?” Gandhi wrote on X, adding, “when there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear”.

Modi is currently on a six-day, five-nation tour and arrived in Oslo to attend the third India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral meetings with Nordic leaders.