Mumbai-born celebrated writer Salman Rushdie has expressed alarm over the state of free speech and press freedom under the Modi government. The Indian-British novelist came under fire from critics who pointed out that his book, The Satanic Verses, was banned in India by a Congress-led government under pressure from Islamists.

"Novelist Salman Rushdie is 'very worried' about growing Hindu nationalism and restrictions on free expression in Modi's India. Speaking to Mishal Husain, he says he first saw the warning signs decades ago," Bloomberg posted on X to promote the interview.

India was ranked 151st in the World Press Freedom Index in 2025, moving up from the 159th spot the previous year. Indian leaders have disputed the ranking, saying that it showed western bias.

Rushdie, now a Br

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