India clarifies notice to French journalist for 'violation of visa rules', not journalism

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac

India clarified on Friday that the notice issued to a Delhi-based French journalist was due to visa rule violations and not related to the nature of her journalism. This explanation was provided during bilateral talks with the French delegation as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's two-day visit to India.

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac received a notice from New Delhi, alleging violation of visa rules, and was required to respond by February 2. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, addressing reporters during a briefing on Macron's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the issue had been brought to the attention of the Indian side by the French delegation.

Kwatra emphasized that France appreciated India's perspective, considering the case purely in terms of compliance with rules. He highlighted the importance of individuals adhering to the rules and regulations of the state under which they reside.

Approximately 30 India-based foreign correspondents signed an open letter expressing deep concern about the notice issued to Dougnac. The letter noted her long tenure in India as a senior journalist covering South Asia and urged a swift resolution, emphasizing the significance of a free press aligned with India's democratic traditions.

They said that Dougnac has lived in India for over two decades and is highly regarded as a senior journalist covering South Asia. The statement said that Dougnac has cooperated with the relevant authorities in an effort to remove any misunderstanding.

The foreign correspondents hoped that her case "is resolved quickly as it affects not only her livelihood but also her family life". "And we request the Indian authorities to facilitate the vital work of a free press in line with India's democratic traditions," they said.

Signatories included journalists from Le Monde, The New York Times, The Washington Post, France 24, The Economist, The Guardian, and France Televisions.

Kwatra said that France did "appreciate" India's "frame of reference" to look at the case purely through a lens of compliance with rules. "People are free to do what they are accredited to do in a given space. But here I think the principal issue is whether the person is compliant with the rules and regulations of the state under which they come," Kwatra said. (With inputs from PTI)