India, May 17 -- The Indian government has rejected the notion of a decline in media freedom and rights of minority communities, with a senior diplomat saying the country is a "vibrant democracy" that has achieved economic progress without compromising on democratic principles.

The comments were made by Sibi George, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, while responding to questions from Dutch reporters about comments reportedly made by Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressing concern at a perceived slide in freedom of expression in India.

"We face this kind of question basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question," George said at a news briefing in the Netherlands capital on Sa...