Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The Hindu nationalist government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under global scrutiny for employing “politically motivated” measures to revoke visa privileges of overseas critics of Indian origin.
In a statement issued on Monday, Human Rights Watch highlighted how Modi often participates in large gatherings of his diaspora supporters abroad, portraying a celebration of Indian democracy, while simultaneously targeting individuals deemed to “tarnish the image” of the country.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the Indian government’s reprisals against diaspora members critical of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), labeling it as a sign of growing hostility towards criticism and dialogue.
Over the past decade of Modi’s tenure, the government has reportedly revoked over 100 Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards and deported some status holders for expressing “disaffection towards the constitution.”
The OCI status, providing residency rights to foreign citizens of Indian origin or those married to Indian nationals, does not confer citizenship but exempts holders from visa requirements.
Many affected individuals are academics, activists, and journalists of Indian origin who have voiced opposition to the BJP’s Hindu majoritarian ideology.
The cancellations have raised concerns among OCI cardholders, both in India and abroad, many of whom have strong familial ties to India.
In 2021, the government downgraded privileges for the 4.5 million OCI cardholders, reclassifying them as “foreign nationals” and imposing restrictions on research, journalism, and travel to certain areas in India.
Since then, academics like Ashok Swain and Nitasha Kaul have faced repercussions, with Kaul being barred from entering India last month.
Human Rights Watch noted the challenges encountered by foreign journalists residing in India as overseas Indian citizens, with several correspondents losing their right to work in the country since 2021.
The case of French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, forced to leave India after two decades due to the revocation of her OCI status, further illustrates the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices.
The organization urged foreign governments engaged in trade and security partnerships with India to address the escalating repression and advocate for dialogue and reform instead of stifling criticism.
The global condemnation underscores growing concerns over the Modi administration’s approach to dissent and its impact on fundamental freedoms.
