New Delhi, May 18 -- India has flatly rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a "vibrant democracy" that guarantees free speech to all. The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while responding to questions from two Dutch reporters who cited comments reportedly made by the Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten, expressing concern at a perceived slide in freedom of expression in India.

George was speaking to the media on Saturday evening in the Dutch capital regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the Netherlands.

It is not immediately clear whether Jetten had made the remarks.

However,...