Prominent Hindi scholar Francesca Orsini was denied entry into India on Monday despite having a valid visa. The London University professor was forced to turn back from Delhi airport — with no clear reason given for the denial.
According to a report by The Wire, Orsini was stopped by immigration officials at Delhi airport on Monday evening. She was told that she would be deported immediately — despite holding a valid five-year e-visa — and asked to make relevant travel arrangements. No clear reason was provided for the denial with Orsini telling the publication that she only knew she was “being deported”.
‘Insecure, paranoid’ reaction
The incident has sparked widespread outrage with many Opposition leaders and fellow academics voicing their criticism.
“Professor Francesca Orsini is a great scholar of Indian literature, whose work has richly illuminated our understanding of our own cultural heritage. To deport her without reason is the mark of a government that is insecure, paranoid, and even stupid,” historian Ramachandra Guha wrote on X.
Author and TMC leader Sagarika Ghose dubbed it a “shocking and sad” turn of events — accusing the Narendra Modi government of being “narrow-minded and backward-looking”. The Opposition politician also contended that the BJP-led government was “destroying the open-minded scholarship and excellence India has always stood for”.
Who is Francesca Orsini?
Orsini is a London-based literary historian who works primarily with Hindi and Urdu materials. She has spent decades multilingualism within South Asian literary cultures and currently serves as a Professor Emerita with SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). She has made multiple trips to India in recent years — including a visit in October 2024.
