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India cracks down on foreign journalists

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Delhi, India
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In recent years, a significant number of foreign journalists have been forced to leave the country, raising concerns about press freedom and the quality of international coverage in India.

‘After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist,’ wrote Sébastien Farcis – who reports for various French and European media outlets – on X earlier this week. ‘I have thus been forced to leave the country.’

Describing this incident as ‘incomprehensible censorship,’ he is one of many others to face the same fate, drawing attention to a growing trend across India that’s seeing foreign media professionals struggling to operate in the world’s largest democracy.

In April, Avani Dias, the South Asia bureau chief for ABC, was forced to leave after being told by the government that her visa, which was due for renewal, would be blocked. This decision appeared to be linked to her coverage of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death.

And in February, French journalist Vanessa Dougnac was also forced to leave after the Ministry of Home Affairs made it imperative for foreign correspondents who had the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to obtain a work permit – denying hers.

The complications

Private surveys conducted among foreign correspondents have highlighted an atmosphere of intimidation and uncertainty in India.

Many journalists have recorded difficulties in obtaining or renewing visas, as well as permits for sensitive areas like Kashmir and the northeast.

In 2021, 96 per cent of applicants failed to secure these permits, effectively restricting all coverage of these regions.

Adding insult to injury, some have even encountered explicit pressure from the government to produce positive content and avoid certain topics.

One detailed being summoned to the Indian High Commission during their application process and being told that their stories were too ‘anti-government.’

And another particularly alarming case involved the Indian embassy emailing the publication a European reporter was working for to request they ‘stop covering Muslim persecution.’

Such direct attempts to influence editorial decisions raise questions about the government’s respect for press freedom, journalistic independence, and international coverage in India.

They also risk distorting the representation of Indian affairs in the global media.

The implications

The implications of this pressure on the press and the mass-exodus of reporters are profuse.

Firstly, the government’s actions send a concerning message to foreign and domestic journalists. By targeting prominent international correspondents, authorities are making a blatant statement that they will not tolerate critical reporting, which has the potential to narrow perspectives and bring about a less vibrant media landscape.

Secondly, silencing those who can provide expert insights is unconstructive because, like Farcis (who has over a decade of experience reporting on India), these voices bring a valuable depth of understanding that is crucial for comprehensive and nuanced coverage of the country’s complex social, political, and economic issues.

Not only this, but it limits the quality of information available to international audiences and can impact both diplomatic relations and foreign perceptions of India.


Finding a balance

The government’s actions signal a pivot from press freedom in a democratic society to more nationally-focused interests.

Critics argue that a truly democratic nation should be able to withstand critical reporting and that diverse and independent media coverage is essential to transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.

Supporters of this militant approach contend that the foreign media often misrepresents Indian affairs and disproportionately chooses to publish negative stories.

It’s their belief that authorities have the right to safeguard national interests and manage how the country is portrayed internationally.

Looking ahead, India must find a balance that respects press freedom while addressing these legitimate concerns.

This involves introducing more consistent visa policies for foreign journalists, clearer guidelines for reporting in sensitive areas, and an open dialogue between the government and media organisations.

Ultimately, a free and diverse media landscape with the presence of correspondents from outside India can contribute to the country’s democratic vitality.

As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how India navigates these challenges and upholds its commitment to democratic values and press freedom.

Remote Writer Delhi, India

Sahil (they/them) is a remote writer for Thred and an economics undergraduate in India. Their diverse cultural background informs their writing and research on gender minorities, climate disparity, and intersectional social issues. When not delving into complex societal challenges, Sahil grapples with their ever-expanding library of unread books – a collection that grows faster than their ability to tackle it.

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