Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Scholars wary of studying India due to visa issues
Scholars from around the world are finding it very hard to study in India.
They are having trouble getting visas and some have even been sent back to their countries.
This is making them worried and some are changing their research topics.
They think the Indian government is making it difficult for them, maybe because of their work.
This could mean that important research about India might not happen, and the country might lose out on understanding its own history and culture.
Scholars face delays and denials in obtaining research visas for India, causing stress and project changes.
Several academics, including Filippo Osella, Nitasha Kaul, and Francesca Orsini, have been deported from India in recent years.
Scholars report self-censorship and fear of blacklisting, leading to avoidance of certain research topics.
The Indian government's actions are seen as creating obstacles for critical or politically sensitive academic work.
Restrictions on scholarship may result in Indian history being recorded through Hindu far-right narratives, with potential long-term impacts on Indian nationals.
- Who
- Scholars and researchers from various countries, including the UK and France
- What
- Increasing difficulties in obtaining research visas and access to India for academic work
- When
- Ongoing issues, with recent deportations in 2022 and 2024
- Where
- India, with scholars facing challenges at Indian airports and visa offices
- Why
- Scholars believe the Indian government is creating obstacles, possibly due to critical work or political reasons
- Researcher's Experience
- Social science researcher from UK facing delays in research clearance for nearly two years
- Deportation Cases
- Filippo Osella, Nitasha Kaul, and Francesca Orsini were deported from India in recent years
- Visa Challenges
- Scholars report difficulties in obtaining research visas, leading to project changes and stress
- Self-Censorship
- Academics are self-censoring their work to avoid scrutiny and potential blacklisting
- Impact on Scholarship
- Restrictions may lead to Indian history being recorded through Hindu far-right narratives