Shashi Tharoor Criticizes India’s Deportation of Scholar Orsini

Francesca Orsini, a prominent Hindi scholar, was deported from Delhi Airport on October 21, 2025, after allegedly violating visa conditions. Orsini, who arrived from Hong Kong, was reportedly traveling on a tourist visa and had been blacklisted in March for previous infractions. Her deportation has ignited a wave of criticism, particularly from senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who has openly challenged the government’s approach to foreign academics.

Tharoor’s Response to Orsini’s Deportation

Tharoor expressed his disapproval of the Indian government’s actions, stating that the establishment “needs to grow a thicker skin, a broader mind and a bigger heart.” His comments came in reaction to a column by former BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta, who contended that while the state must enforce visa compliance, it should not evaluate a professor’s academic contributions. Tharoor agreed with Dasgupta’s assertion, emphasizing that deporting foreign scholars over minor visa violations harms India’s reputation.

“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 stated in a post shared on X.

Orsini, a Professor Emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, has made significant contributions to the field of Hindi literature. She previously held a position at Cambridge University and is known for her influential work, The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism.

Criticism from the Academic Community

The circumstances surrounding Orsini’s deportation have drawn sharp criticism from various academics and historians. Many have expressed concerns that such actions could deter foreign scholars from engaging with Indian institutions, potentially damaging the country’s standing as an open and intellectually vibrant society. Critics argue that this incident exemplifies a troubling trend of increasing restrictions on foreign academics in India.

A government source defended the deportation, suggesting that it follows “standard global practice” where individuals found violating visa terms may face blacklisting. According to the Government of India’s visa guidelines, foreign nationals must strictly adhere to the purpose of their visit when entering the country.

As India continues to navigate its diplomatic relationships and academic collaborations, the deportation of Francesca Orsini raises important questions about the balance between enforcing immigration policies and fostering an inclusive academic environment. Tharoor’s remarks highlight a growing concern within the political and academic communities about the implications of such actions for India’s global image.