Francesca Orsini, a distinguished Hindi scholar and Professor Emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, was denied entry into India on October 20, 2025, at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Despite holding a valid five-year tourist visa, Orsini was sent back to Hong Kong within hours of arrival.
Indian authorities cited that Orsini had been blacklisted since March 2025 for allegedly misusing her tourist visa for academic activities during previous visits. Reports indicate that she had traveled to India in the past for research purposes and academic engagements, which allegedly contravened visa rules.
Orsini, an internationally respected scholar known for her work on South Asian literature, multilingualism, and literary culture, had been attending an academic conference in China before she arrived in India. The scholar’s abrupt deportation has sparked concern among academics and historians, who see it as a troubling precedent for academic exchange and freedom.
“The decision to stop Professor Orsini raises questions about transparency in visa regulations and the broader impact on scholarly work in India,” said one academic familiar with the case.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs stated that enforcing visa rules is standard procedure and anyone found violating these norms may be blacklisted. However, critics argue that the lack of clarity regarding the specifics of Orsini’s blacklisting and deportation undermines confidence in the system.
This incident is part of a growing trend where foreign scholars have faced hurdles entering India, raising concerns about the accessibility of the country for international academic collaboration. Experts stress that fostering academic dialogue is vital for India’s global scholarly reputation.
Francesca Orsini has authored several books and numerous research papers, making her a prominent voice in South Asian studies. While she has expressed disappointment over the deportation, her focus remains on continuing her research and promoting understanding of India’s literary and cultural heritage worldwide.
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