Clarification on Visa Extension Denial in India
The United States has clarified India's right to determine its own visa policies, responding to claims made by an Australian journalist regarding the denial of a visa extension.
US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel declined to comment directly on India's visa policies, stating, "The government of India can speak on its own visa policy. That is not something I am going to opine on from here."
The controversy arose when Avani Dias, the South Asia Bureau Chief of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), departed from India on April 19, citing visa extension denial. Dias alleged that her reporting had "crossed a line," leading to the Indian government's refusal to extend her visa.
Dias claimed, "After Australian Government intervention, I got a mere two-month extension...less than 24 hours before my flight." She further stated that her election license was withheld due to an Indian Ministry directive, prompting her departure on the first day of national elections.
However, sources within the Central government contradicted Dias's claims, stating they were inaccurate and misleading. They asserted that Dias had violated visa regulations in her professional pursuits. Despite this, she was assured an extension for election coverage upon request.
Dias's previous visa was valid until April 20, with the visa fee paid on April 18. Sources confirmed that her visa was extended until the end of June on the same day.
Sources further clarified that Dias voluntarily departed India on the same day, holding a valid visa with an approved extension. They falsified her assertion of being denied election coverage, stating it was factually incorrect.