India Bars Norwegian Journalist From Bharat Summit
Helle Lyng Svendsen alleges the Indian government cancelled her visa for political reasons just before her departure to speak at the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad.
Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen alleges that the Indian government cancelled her visa and barred her from entering the country just 10 minutes before her scheduled departure on November 12. Svendsen, a writer for Dagsavisen, was invited to speak on a panel regarding press freedom and democracy at the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad, an event organized by the Indian National Congress and the Congress-led Telangana government.
Despite possessing a valid visa and political clearance, Svendsen was notified of the denial by the Indian embassy in Oslo. She attributes the decision to "orders from above" within the Ministry of Home Affairs and suggests the move is "politically motivated." Svendsen points to her previous criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his governance, and billionaires Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, as well as a confrontation with Modi during his May 2026 visit to Oslo.
Svendsen has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the decision, noting she could still arrive in time for her engagement. While event organizers claim the Ministry of Home Affairs is solely responsible for the ban, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian embassy have not officially responded to the allegations.
