Visa Controversy In India Involving Australian Journalist Avani Dias Reported By US Media

According to a report, Australian journalist Avani Dias was found to have violated visa rules. When questioned about the denial of visa renewal to Dias, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel stated that the Indian government is responsible for its visa policy and declined to comment further. Patel also emphasized the importance of a free press in democracy and deferred to Indian officials to address the matter. Dias claimed she was not allowed to cover the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and was forced to leave the country.

However, sources disputed her claims, describing them as “not correct, misleading and mischievous.” It was also revealed that Dias, a correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, had violated visa rules during her professional activities in South Asia. Despite this, she was assured an extension of her visa for the general elections coverage. Sources clarified that her assertions of being denied permission to cover elections are factually incorrect, as journalists with valid visas are permitted to cover election activities outside of polling booths.

During the press briefing, Patel denied making any comments on the internal investigation report by the Indian Government regarding an alleged assassination plot. He mentioned a case involving an Indian national charged with a murder-for-hire plot against a Khalistani terrorist, which was foiled by US authorities. *(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed. )*