Remember the controversy surrounding the departure of ABC journalist Avani Dias?

In a major story on press freedom, 30 India-based foreign journalists criticized the Indian government after Dias alleged she was forced to leave the country because her reporting on the Sikh separatist movement “crossed a line” and her journalism visa was not renewed.

The journalists argued this effectively “pushed out a foreign correspondent on the eve of an election,” raising serious concerns about increased restrictions on visas and journalism permits for foreign correspondents and those with OCI status.

The Government’s Stance: Sources claimed her contention was “misleading and mischievous,” stating her visa had been renewed two days before her departure, while accusing her of violating visa rules in her “professional pursuits.”

This incident ignited a debate about the freedom of the press and the environment for foreign reporting in India.

“When a foreign correspondent’s reporting is deemed to have ‘crossed a line’ by a government, who ultimately determines the boundaries of press freedom and national interest?”