Norwegian Journalist Who Questioned Modi Has Indian Visa Revoked

A Norwegian journalist who drew attention after questioning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Oslo in May 2026 has reportedly been denied entry to India. Journalist Helle Linge alleged that her valid visa was cancelled just hours before she was scheduled to travel to Hyderabad.

Linge was due to attend the two-day ‘India Summit’, beginning on November 13 in Hyderabad, as one of the featured speakers. The event was organised by the Telangana government.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, she said the Indian Embassy in Norway contacted her just 10 minutes before she was scheduled to leave for the airport, informing her that she would not be permitted to travel to India.

According to Linge, the decision was made following instructions from senior officials in India's Ministry of Home Affairs.

Journalist Alleges Political Motives Behind Visa Cancellation

Linge, who works for the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, addressed Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in a video message, expressing disappointment over the last-minute decision.

She said she had already obtained the necessary visa and political clearance and was preparing to speak at a panel discussion on the media, press freedom and democracy.

Describing the cancellation as politically motivated, Linge questioned whether the decision was linked to her criticism of Prime Minister Modi and his government.

She also suggested that her articles criticising industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, who are widely regarded as close to the prime minister, might have influenced the decision.

Additionally, she speculated that her favourable comments about the Cockroach Janata Party movement and her interview with its founder, Abhijit Deepak, could have contributed to the visa cancellation.

Noting that the scheduled panel discussion had yet to take place, Linge urged Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the decision and allow her to participate.

Earlier Question to Modi Draws Renewed Attention

The controversy follows an incident on May 18, 2026, when Linge questioned Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Oslo.

As Modi was leaving after a joint press statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Linge asked why he was not answering questions from journalists representing one of the world's freest media environments.

Modi reportedly left the venue without responding.

Linge later raised the issue during a briefing by India's Ministry of External Affairs. In response, the ministry highlighted India's contributions to global culture, including the concepts of zero, yoga and chess.

The latest visa controversy has brought renewed attention to that exchange, although no official explanation establishing a connection between her earlier questions and the visa decision was provided in the report.