India has denied entry to more than 100 international speakers invited to a democracy summit organized by the opposition Congress party, according to a senior opposition politician. The decision, announced on Friday, affects 115 out of 315 speakers cleared by India’s foreign ministry.
The affected speakers include journalists, academics, and activists from various countries. Among them was a Norwegian journalist who had previously questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi about press freedom. The summit, which was meant to discuss democratic values and governance, has been postponed due to the visa restrictions.
Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP and former UN official, confirmed the visa denials. He stated that the decision was made without prior consultation with the summit organizers. The foreign ministry did not provide a detailed explanation for the rejections, though some sources suggest the move is part of broader efforts to control the narrative around India’s democratic practices.
This is not the first time India has restricted participation in opposition-led events. In 2023, similar visa denials were reported for a human rights conference. The current situation has raised concerns about the government’s approach to international engagement and the freedom of expression for foreign participants.
The summit, originally scheduled for late November, now faces uncertainty. Organizers are considering alternative formats, including virtual participation, to ensure the event can proceed. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups in India.
