NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims India is taking a tougher stance on visas for overseas critics of Indian origin, alleging the government is suppressing dissent beyond its borders.
The organization highlights instances where Indian authorities have revoked the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status of foreign citizens of Indian origin or foreigners married to Indian nationals. These individuals are often academics, activists, and journalists critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to HRW, the revocation of OCI status has raised concerns about political censorship and discrimination against critics of the BJP’s policies. The organization says Modi frequently engages with diaspora supporters abroad, while his government targets those it accuses of tarnishing India’s image.
The recent downgrading of OCI privileges in 2021, affecting millions of cardholders, further restricts the rights of overseas Indians and imposes bureaucratic hurdles for activities such as research and journalism in India.
HRW emphasizes that the government’s actions extend to foreign journalists with OCI status working in India, resulting in bureaucratic obstacles or outright denials of permission to continue reporting.
Several high-profile cases are cited, including that of British professor Nitasha Kaul, who was barred from entering India to attend a conference, and French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who was effectively expelled from the country after decades of reporting.
HRW is calling on foreign governments to press the Indian administration for reform and dialogue instead of silencing dissenting voices.
The Indian government has yet to respond to Human Rights Watch’s allegations.
