Foreign correspondents protest Australian journalist being ‘effectively pushed out’ amid visa row

A group of foreign correspondents in India on Tuesday protested Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s South Asia bureau chief Avani Dias being “effectively pushed out” of India by the Union government after being told that her visa would not be extended due to her reporting on a Sikh separatist’s killing.

“...though not technically expelling her, Indian authorities have effectively pushed out a foreign correspondent on the eve of an election that the government describes as the largest democratic exercise in the world,” the correspondents said in an open letter.

“Foreign journalists in India have grappled with increased restrictions on visas and journalism permits for those holding the status of Overseas Citizens of India,” said the letter shared on social media by Financial Times’ South Asia bureau chief John Reed. “The circumstances of Ms Dias’ departure are further causes for concern.”

They called on New Delhi to “facilitate the vital work of a free press” in line with India’s democratic traditions.

Dias said in a social media post on Tuesday: “Last week, I had to leave India abruptly. The Modi government told me my visa extension would be denied, saying my reporting ‘crossed a line’.”

After lobbying by Australian authorities, Dias’ visa was eventually extended for two months, a day before she left India. Nevertheless, she left the...

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