British tourists ordered to leave India for putting up ‘Free Palestine’ stickers
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- India orders two British tourists to leave after accusing them of political activity.
- Authorities cite visa rules amid heightened sensitivity linked to the presence of thousands of ‘Israeli’ tourists in Pushkar.
Indian authorities have canceled the tourist visas of two British nationals and ordered them to leave the country after accusing them of posting pro-Palestinian stickers in a popular tourist town in western India.
Read more: Pep Guardiola faces backlash over pro-Palestinian stance
The couple, Louis Gabriel De and Anoushi Emma Christine, were accused of placing stickers reading “Free Palestine” and calling for a boycott of ‘Israel’ in several locations around Pushkar, a town in Rajasthan state, according to The Independent.
Visa rules cited
Indian officials said the actions amounted to political activity, which is prohibited under the terms of a tourist visa. Foreign nationals visiting India on such visas are barred from engaging in political causes or activism.
Security officials told the newspaper that violations can lead to deportation or future entry bans.
Read more: Two arrested over attempted sabotage of German naval vessels
A complaint was reportedly filed on January 21, prompting an investigation by local authorities. India’s Criminal Investigation Department later issued a formal notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act of 2025, canceling the couple’s visas and instructing them to depart the country.
Local sensitivities
The case drew particular attention because Pushkar is a favored destination for ‘Israeli’ tourists. Local media, cited by The Independent, reported that around two thousand ‘Israelis’ are currently in the town, increasing police sensitivity to the incident.
The newspaper’s correspondent, Alisha Sarkar, noted that Pushkar is especially popular among ‘Israeli’ travelers, including former soldiers who visit India after completing their military service.
India and ‘Israel’ ties
The incident comes amid deepening ties between India and ‘Israel’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India is now among the largest importers of ‘Israeli’ weapons and has refrained from direct criticism of ‘Israel’ over its war on the Gaza Strip.
Analysts say New Delhi’s approach marks a clear shift from its earlier alignment with Palestinian rights toward closer strategic cooperation with ‘Israel’, particularly since Modi took office in May 2014.
India has not issued any public criticism of ‘Israel’ over the war on Gaza, during which thousands of Palestinians have been killed, many of them regarded by Palestinians as martyrs.
The British couple have not publicly commented on the decision, and Indian authorities have not indicated whether further legal action will be taken beyond deportation.
