Journalists’ Safety at Risk Under Modi Government, Says The Wire Report

New Delhi — Journalists in India face growing threats to their safety and freedom under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a report published by Indian digital news outlet The Wire.
The report claims that during 2025, 14,800 journalists were targeted through various forms of intimidation, harassment, legal action, and violence across the country. It further alleges that 117 individuals were imprisoned solely on charges related to freedom of expression, highlighting what it describes as a worsening climate for independent journalism.
According to The Wire, journalists critical of government policies have increasingly been subjected to police cases, arrests, online harassment, and pressure from state institutions. Media rights groups cited in the report warn that such actions are creating a chilling effect on free speech and investigative reporting in the world’s largest democracy.
The Indian government has repeatedly rejected accusations of suppressing the media, maintaining that law enforcement actions are taken in accordance with the law. However, press freedom advocates argue that the data reflects a systematic effort to silence dissenting voices.
India’s ranking in global press freedom indices has declined in recent years, with international watchdogs expressing concern over shrinking space for independent journalism and critical reporting.