Norwegian Journalist Helle Lyng, Who Questioned PM Modi, Says India Cancelled Her Visa Before Hyderabad Summit

A Norwegian journalist who once put Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the spot with a question during his visit to Norway is now at the centre of a controversy involving India.

Helle Lyng was due to travel to Hyderabad for an international summit, but her plans took an unexpected turn just hours before her departure. Despite having completed the visa process, she says she received a call that left her trip in uncertainty.

The development has raised questions about what led to the decision, whether her previous reporting had anything to do with it, and what India's immigration laws allow authorities to do.

What Happened To Helle Lyng?

On 11 November, Lyng shared a video on X claiming she had been stopped from travelling to India at the last minute.

According to her, she had received her visa and completed the required formalities. However, around 10 minutes before she was due to leave for the airport, the Indian Embassy in Norway called to inform her that she could not travel to India.

Lyng alleged that the decision came on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

She had been invited as a panellist at the Congress-organised Bharat Summit in Hyderabad on 13-14 November to discuss the future of media and press freedom. The event is expected to bring together international participants to discuss global challenges.

Lyng questioned the decision, particularly as she had already received political clearance and a visa. However, as of 12 November, no official reason for the reported cancellation had been disclosed.

Who Is Helle Lyng, And Why Did She Question PM Modi?

Helle Lyng is a Norwegian journalist with Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen. She came into the spotlight during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Norway in May 2026.

On 18 May, after Modi and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre addressed a joint press gathering in Oslo, Lyng attempted to question the Indian Prime Minister, asking, "Prime Minister Modi, why don't you take some questions from the freest press in the world?" Modi left without responding, although it was unclear whether he had heard her.

Lyng later defended her question, saying journalists had a responsibility to question political leaders.

At a subsequent media briefing, she also questioned MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George about India's human rights record and why Indian journalists did not get opportunities to question Modi. She asked, "Why should we trust you?"

George responded by referring to India's history, Constitution and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Does Lyng Think Her Visa Was Cancelled?

Lyng has not received a publicly disclosed explanation for the decision. However, she has raised several possibilities.

In her video message, she wondered whether her earlier criticism of Modi and his government's policies could have contributed to the decision.

She also questioned whether her opinion pieces about industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani had played a role.

Another possibility she raised was her interaction with Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and her support for the movement's recent protests.

The CJP has been involved in demonstrations over issues including alleged irregularities in voter-list revisions and demands for accountability from the Election Commission.

Norwegian journalist questions PM Modi during joint press briefing

What Does Indian Law Say About Cancelling A Visa?

Under Section 7 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, effective from 1 September 2025, the Central Government can restrict or prohibit foreigners' entry into India.

Rule 9 of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 allows the MEA, Indian embassies and consulates, and the Bureau of Immigration to grant or cancel visas and shorten their validity.

In Lyng's case, The Wire reported that the MEA cleared foreign delegates on 3 November, but its letter required approval from the MHA and other relevant authorities. This meant political clearance alone did not guarantee entry into India.

Even foreign media wants to know this about PM Modi: Why no press conferences?

The Bigger Question: Where Does Press Freedom Stand?

On 11 November, the MHA announced visa reforms, reducing main categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23. It also plans to cut application form requirements by 65-70%, with the revised system expected by the end of 2026 to ease travel for tourists, students, researchers and business visitors.

Lyng's case raises questions about transparency in decisions involving foreign journalists. While the government can restrict entry, the reason for stopping her despite a visa and summit invitation remains unclear.

As of 12 November, neither the MHA nor MEA had responded publicly. Whether her journalism played a role remains unestablished.

TL;DR | News At A Glance

Who is Helle Lyng?
Helle Lyng is a Norwegian journalist working with Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen. She came into the spotlight after questioning PM Narendra Modi during his May 2026 visit to Norway.

Why was she supposed to visit India?
She was invited as a panellist at the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad on 13-14 November 2026, to discuss the future of media and press freedom.

Why was her visa cancelled?
Lyng claims the Indian Embassy in Norway informed her that she could not travel, allegedly following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. No official reason was publicly provided.

Had she received permission to visit India?
Yes. According to her video, she had received a visa and MEA political clearance. However, the clearance was subject to approval from the MHA and other relevant authorities.

What does Indian law say?
Section 7 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, empowers the Central Government to restrict foreigners' entry into India. Rule 9 of the accompanying rules provides for visa cancellation by authorised authorities.

Has the government responded?
As of 12 November, the MHA and MEA had not publicly responded to her allegations.