NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Friday defended India's visa decisions, saying these are "sovereign functions" of every government. The response came amid allegations that more than 100 foreign speakers invited to the Congress-organised Bharat Summit in Hyderabad were denied entry into India or had their visas cancelled."I would like to say, and all of you are aware, that visa matters are sovereign functions of any country or any government. So that is what I have to say," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during his the bi-weekly media briefing.The MEA's response came amid allegations by Congress leaders that several foreign delegates who had received prior clearance from the ministry were subsequently denied entry into India or had their visas revoked. The opposition has alleged that the decisions were taken following instructions from the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA).The two-day Bharat Summit 2026 is being held in Hyderabad on November 13 and 14, bringing together around 1,000 delegates, policymakers and thinkers from 70 countries. Organised by the Congress and the Telangana government, the summit features discussions on…
'Visa matters are sovereign': MEA on row over foreign speakers at Congress event
In short
The two-day Bharat Summit in Hyderabad brought together around 1,000 global delegates to debate geopolitics, democracy, and progressive politics. Congress officials claimed that invited speakers had prior clearances revoked directly by central authorities, prompting sharp criticism from Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and MP Shashi Tharoor. The spotlight intensified after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng reported her visa was revoked just before her departure for a press freedom panel. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party subsequently defended the restrictions, accusing organizers of convening anti-India elements.
Key points
- The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that all foreign visa decisions remain an exclu…: The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that all foreign visa decisions remain an exclusive sovereign right of the Indian government.
- Congress leadership accused the central administration of deliberately blocking critical…: Congress leadership accused the central administration of deliberately blocking critical international viewpoints from participating in democratic discourse.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party countered by claiming the opposition gathering aimed to assemb…: The Bharatiya Janata Party countered by claiming the opposition gathering aimed to assemble radical Left factions hostile to the nation.