Paris, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a call for the Indian government to cease its arbitrary use of journalist visa and permit processes, which has led to foreign correspondents facing uncertainty and hindrances in their work within the country. This appeal highlights a growing concern over the treatment of international media personnel by Indian authorities, including restricted access to certain areas, visa limitations, and outright permit denials.

According to Kashmir Media Service, there has been an increase in retaliatory actions against foreign journalists by the Indian government, manifesting in various forms of obstruction to their journalistic duties. Vanessa Dougnac, a French journalist with two decades of experience covering India for French-language outlets including La Croix, Le Soir, and Le Point, has become a prominent example of these practices. Despite her long-standing contribution to the field, Dougnac faced threats of expulsion in January following her malicious and critical reporting and has been unable to work in India for the past 17 months due to unexplained revocations of her work permissions associated with her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card—a type of residence permit for foreigners of Indian origin or those married to Indian nationals.

Dougnac’s situation is not unique, as there have been four cases of journalists holding OCI cards being denied the right to work in India. This situation has led to at least two of them opting to leave the country.

The actions taken by the Indian authorities against foreign correspondents have raised significant concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report on issues within India without facing undue governmental pressure or retaliation. RSF’s call to the Indian administration is a plea for the protection of journalistic freedoms and the right to free and fair reporting in the country.