New Delhi: Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on Sunday strongly criticised the Indian government’s recent handling of entry denial to Professor Francesca Orsini, a prominent Hindi scholar based in the United Kingdom. In doing so, he publicly supported Swapan Dasgupta, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and veteran journalist, who had written a column highlighting what he termed the dangers of “visa vigilantes” in India’s immigration process.

Tharoor’s comments came as part of a broader discourse on India’s engagement with international scholars and the potential repercussions of sending a message of exclusivity at its borders. According to him, the manner in which India dealt with Orsini’s case is far more damaging to the country’s global reputation than any critical academic article could ever be.

“Rolling out an ‘unwelcome mat’ at our airport immigration counters to deport foreign scholars and academics because of trivial visa violations is doing us far more damage — as a country, a culture and an internationally-credible nation — than any number of negative articles in foreign academic journals could ever accomplish,” Tharoor wrote. He added that “Official India needs to grow a thicker skin, a broader mind, and a bigger heart”, underlining the importance of tolerance and openness for fostering global collaboration in academia and research.

The Orsini Case

Professor Francesca Orsini, affiliated with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, was denied entry into India upon arrival from Hong Kong last month. Reports suggest that she was sent back from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on the grounds of alleged visa violations. While the official explanation cited technical breaches of visa regulations, many academics and observers—including Dasgupta and Tharoor—have argued that the decision was disproportionate and potentially punitive, considering Orsini’s history of academic criticism of the current government.

Orsini is a leading historian and scholar of Hindi and Urdu literature, holding a PhD from London and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Venice. She serves as Professor Emerita of Hindi and South Asian Literature at SOAS and has previously visited India for academic research, with her last recorded visit being in October 2024. She is best known for her seminal work, The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism, which explores the development of Hindi literature and public discourse in India during the colonial period.

Dasgupta’s column, titled ‘Orsini furore shows perils of visa vigilantes’, criticised the government for what he called a growing tendency to treat foreign academics with suspicion and bureaucratic rigidity. According to Dasgupta, while visa regulations must be enforced, there is no justification for questioning the scholarly credentials of visiting professors, particularly when their work contributes to India’s intellectual and cultural heritage.

Tharoor’s Perspective

Tharoor’s support for Dasgupta is notable for bridging political divides, as the Congress MP aligned with a BJP journalist on the issue of protecting India’s academic openness. Tharoor emphasised that such incidents create negative optics internationally, portraying India as a nation that discourages global knowledge exchange.

“By denying entry to academics over trivial procedural lapses, we are essentially sending a message that India is not welcoming to intellectual engagement,” Tharoor wrote. “Actions like these not only undermine India’s reputation as a country of learning but also discourage future scholars from pursuing research in India, thereby harming the very knowledge ecosystem we aim to promote.”

He highlighted that the repercussions of such decisions extend far beyond immediate diplomatic concerns. “The damage to India’s image caused by deporting a respected academic is permanent and far-reaching, potentially outweighing any critique that might appear in academic journals,” Tharoor added.

Dasgupta’s Column and the Concept of ‘Visa Vigilantes’

In his column, Dasgupta argued that India is increasingly at risk of creating a culture of overzealous immigration enforcement, where officers act as “visa vigilantes,” interpreting regulations with excessive rigidity or personal discretion. He warned that such practices could discourage international scholars from visiting India, harming collaborations in fields ranging from literature and history to science and technology.

“India has a rich tradition of learning and scholarship,” Dasgupta wrote. “By turning away a distinguished scholar like Francesca Orsini, we risk undermining centuries of intellectual exchange that have shaped the country’s cultural and academic identity.” He further suggested that while adherence to immigration rules is essential, enforcement should be balanced with discretion and respect for academic credentials and intent.

Dasgupta also pointed out that the Orsini case raises concerns about the broader treatment of foreign visitors, noting that a reputation for unpredictability at immigration counters could dissuade scholars, researchers, and students from engaging with India. He called for a review of the processes and greater sensitivity in handling visas for academic personnel.

Broader Implications for India’s Academic and Cultural Reputation

The incident comes at a time when India is seeking to enhance its global academic profile and strengthen ties with international universities. Scholars like Orsini contribute not only to literary research but also to the understanding and promotion of Indian culture globally. By denying entry to a figure of Orsini’s stature, India risks being perceived as unwelcoming to intellectual exchange—an image that could have long-term consequences for its soft power and international standing.

Tharoor emphasised the contrast between India’s historical role as a hub of learning and its present handling of visa matters. He suggested that India must cultivate a more open and confident approach, capable of absorbing constructive criticism without resorting to punitive measures. “We need a country that welcomes dialogue, debate, and scholarship, even when it is uncomfortable or critical of the government,” he said.

Academic Community Reacts

Although official statements from the government regarding Orsini’s case remain limited, the academic community has expressed concern over the implications of such actions. Many scholars warn that repeated incidents of entry denial could chill research activity in India and hinder collaborative projects with foreign universities.

The Orsini incident, in particular, has drawn attention due to her status as a leading authority on Hindi literature and the historical development of India’s literary public sphere. Experts note that interactions with international scholars like Orsini are critical for cross-cultural research, curriculum development, and global dissemination of knowledge about India.

Calls for Policy Reform

Both Dasgupta and Tharoor’s interventions point toward a need for policy reform at the intersection of visa regulations and academic freedom. Analysts suggest measures such as:

1. Clearer visa protocols for academics to prevent arbitrary denial,
2. Training immigration officers on academic credentials and the significance of scholarly research,
3. Fast-track grievance redressal mechanisms for visiting scholars, and
4. Transparent communication between Indian missions abroad and foreign universities regarding entry requirements.

Such steps, they argue, would protect India’s international reputation, promote scholarship, and foster stronger cultural and educational linkages.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Francesca Orsini’s denied entry underscores the tension between administrative enforcement and India’s global image as a scholarly destination. With influential voices like Shashi Tharoor and Swapan Dasgupta highlighting the issue, there is growing awareness that India must strike a balance between security protocols and openness to academic exchange.

Tharoor’s pointed criticism and support for Dasgupta’s column signal that the debate transcends political divides, reflecting broader concerns about India’s international credibility, soft power, and role as a global hub of knowledge. As academic collaborations continue to expand in the 21st century, India’s ability to welcome, protect, and facilitate scholars from around the world will be crucial in shaping its position on the global stage.

In the words of Tharoor, India must develop a “thicker skin, a broader mind, and a bigger heart”, ensuring that decisions at airport counters do not inadvertently undermine the nation’s centuries-old reputation as a center of learning, culture, and intellectual exchange.