India denies entry to 115 international speakers for democracy summit

The Indian government has blocked 115 international speakers from attending a democracy summit in Hyderabad organized by the opposition Congress party. While the Ministry of External Affairs had initially approved 315 delegates for the two-day event, which began on November 13, 2026, many subsequently had their visas revoked or entry permissions denied. Congress member of parliament Shashi Tharoor, who attributed the move to the Ministry of Home Affairs, criticized the lack of legal justification and described the action as an attempt to suppress critical voices. Among those barred is Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen, whose visa was cancelled shortly before her departure.

The Editors Guild of India has condemned the move as administrative overreach, demanding transparency from the government. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has labeled the summit a political maneuver intended to damage India's international reputation. Neither the Ministry of External Affairs nor the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided an official explanation for the restrictions.