India, May 20 : A political cartoon published by Norwegian daily Aftenposten has ignited widespread outrage after depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer, reviving criticism over colonial-era stereotypes associated with India. The illustration, released during PM Modi’s official visit to Norway, quickly drew backlash on social media, with many calling it racist and culturally insensitive.
The controversial artwork reportedly accompanied an opinion piece describing the Indian Prime Minister as “a clever and slightly annoying man.” In the cartoon, PM Modi was shown holding a fuel-station pipe designed in the shape of a snake, imagery many users interpreted as a direct reference to outdated Western portrayals of India.
The publication came amid heightened attention surrounding PM Modi’s Norway visit, particularly after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng publicly questioned him over the absence of media interaction during a joint appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Although PM Modi did not respond at the event, India later reacted strongly through diplomatic channels, with Indian envoy Sibi George criticising the tone and framing of the remarks.
Social Media Erupts Over ‘Colonial-Era Thinking’
The cartoon triggered sharp criticism online, where users accused the newspaper of promoting racist stereotypes historically used to demean India. Many argued that the depiction reflected lingering colonial attitudes in sections of European media.
One social media user wrote that portraying an Indian Prime Minister as a snake charmer in 2026 was “deeply offensive and blatantly racist.” Another said the cartoon exposed how “colonial imagination still survives in elite Western discourse.”
Several users also pointed to the irony that PM Modi himself had repeatedly spoken against such stereotypes in earlier speeches. During his 2014 address at Madison Square Garden, the Prime Minister had remarked that India was once viewed globally as a “land of snake charmers” but had transformed into a nation of innovators and technology professionals, referring to Indians as “mouse charmers.”
Similar Controversies Have Surfaced Before
This is not the first time European media has faced criticism over imagery linked to India. In 2022, a Spanish publication came under fire after using similar snake-charmer symbolism while discussing India’s growing economic influence.
The latest controversy has once again reignited debate over how non-Western leaders and countries are portrayed in global media narratives. Critics argued that such representations undermine diplomatic respect and reinforce outdated perceptions despite India’s growing role in global politics, technology and trade.
While Aftenposten has not publicly responded to the backlash so far, the controversy continues to gain traction online, with calls for greater cultural sensitivity and accountability in international journalism.