Editors Guild of India condemns removal of cartoon featuring PM Modi on The Wire’s Instagram page
“Why fear the cartoon,” The Wire posts another cartoon featuring PM
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India on Thursday condemned the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) decision to order the removal of a cartoon featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi from The Wire’s Instagram page, calling the move an attack on freedom of expression and media independence.
According to the Guild, the cartoon, described as harmless satire, was taken down following government intervention, and The Wire’s Instagram account was briefly blocked for nearly two hours before being restored by Meta.
The EGI noted that the publication was asked to “explain its conduct” nearly 22 hours after the cartoon had already been removed and its page blocked, raising concerns over procedural transparency and due process.
The statement from the EGI read that The Wire was not formally informed of the reasons for the takedown.
However, the alleged explanation conveyed orally to the publication’s founders was that the cartoon could affect the “security and reputation of the country.”
The EGI dismissed this justification as calling it ‘laughable,’ asserting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and that public officials, including those in the highest offices, remain legitimate subjects of scrutiny, criticism, and satire in a democracy.
“The incident is yet another example of the rising intolerance to comment and scrutiny on the part of the government and its representatives, and serves to tarnish India's credentials as an accommodative democracy that gives space to media, including satire and humour,” said the organisation in the statement.
The EGI also expressed concern over the recently introduced Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, which aim to accelerate the removal of allegedly offensive or illegitimate synthetic content.
Citing observations by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), it said the relevant clause is “overbroad” and could adversely affect creative expression, including satire, parody, and political commentary, potentially resulting in prior restraint on artistic and journalistic work.
“The new provisions, detailed in a MeitY order dated February 10, are expected to come into force after the conclusion of the Global AI Impact Summit on February 20,” wrote the EGI urging the government to undertake a comprehensive review of the amended rules and broader AI-related regulatory measures to ensure they do not erode press freedom or suppress free speech under the pretext of regulation.
Earlier on February 10, social media platforms Instagram, Facebook, and X blocked access to a parody animation by The Wire. The outlet’s Instagram account was also blocked in India for nearly two hours.
The 52-second animation video sarcastically poked fun at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not answering questions in Parliament regarding retired General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir that discussed the 2020 military standoff with China.
The portal on Thursday published another cartoon titled “Cartoon Hai, Sahib, Sirf Cartoon Hai,” which satirically questioned why PM was fearing the cartoon.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
