India expels British tourists over pro-Palestine messages
Authorities cite visa violations as Modi government tightens restrictions on Palestine support while deepening political and strategic alignment with Israel
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Indian authorities have ordered two British tourists to leave the country after they displayed posters and stickers supporting Palestine and criticizing Israel in public spaces in the western state of Rajasthan, an action officials said violated the terms of their tourist visas.
The two individuals were identified by police as Louis Gabriel D and Annushie Emma Christine. According to authorities, the pair placed pro-Palestine materials in several locations in the city of Ajmer and in Pushkar, a nearby town that attracts a large number of Israeli tourists and long-term travelers.
Police said the state intelligence department flagged the activity on Jan. 21 and alerted district authorities, who subsequently questioned the two visitors. After an inquiry, officials concluded that the tourists had engaged in political activity prohibited under India’s tourist visa rules and directed them to leave the country.
Local authorities removed the posters and stickers with the assistance of municipal workers and police. Officials said no criminal charges were filed, but the visitors were ordered to depart India for breaching visa conditions. The tourists have not issued a public response to the order.
While Indian officials framed the action as routine enforcement of visa regulations, rights advocates say the incident reflects a broader pattern under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which expressions of solidarity with Palestine are increasingly treated as security or public-order concerns.
Over the past year, Indian authorities have taken action against students, activists, academics and artists over pro-Palestine speech, including canceling public events, denying permissions for demonstrations, detaining protesters and filing police cases under public-order and security laws.
Universities have faced pressure to curb Palestine-related discussions, and cultural programs referencing Gaza have been blocked or disrupted.
Analysts say the crackdown coincides with India’s deepening political, ideological and strategic alignment with Israel under the Modi government. New Delhi has expanded defense cooperation, surveillance technology partnerships and intelligence ties with Israel, while Hindutva leaders have publicly endorsed Israeli genocide in Gaza.
This alignment has been accompanied by a marked shift in India’s public posture away from its earlier support for Palestinian self-determination, and by growing intolerance toward domestic and international voices critical of Israel’s actions.
Rights groups argue that Palestine solidarity is increasingly framed by authorities as disruptive, extremist or hostile to national interests.
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