British couple ordered to leave India over pro-Palestine posters
India's intelligence department issued notices to two British nationals to "leave India", declaring that their behaviour violated local sensitivities and breached visa rules.
Indian authorities have ordered two British nationals to leave the country after they were accused of pasting pro-Palestinian posters in a popular temple town in the western state of Rajasthan, citing violations of tourist visa rules.
The couple, identified as Lewis Gabriel Dee and Anushi Emma Christine, were travelling on tourist visas and staying in Pushkar when local officials received complaints on January 21 about posters appearing at multiple public locations, according to Indian media reports.
The messages included slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Boycott Israel".
Police said an inquiry found the activity amounted to political advocacy, which is prohibited under the conditions of a tourist visa.
The state's criminal investigation department subsequently issued a notice revoking the couple's visas under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and directed them to leave India immediately.
A senior police official told local media that authorities maintain strict monitoring of foreign visitors and warned that violations could lead to deportation and potential blacklisting.
Pushkar is a well-known tourist destination and is frequented by Israeli visitors, including many who travel to India after completing military service, according to local reports.
The incident comes amid heightened global tensions over Gaza following Israel's military assault launched in October 2023, which Palestinian health authorities say has killed more than 71,000 people and devastated much of the enclave.
Despite a ceasefire that came into effect last October, Israeli forces have continued to carry out strikes, resulting in further casualties.
India has avoided publicly condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, even as it continues to back a two-state solution in international forums.
Ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv have deepened in recent years, with Israel emerging as one of India's key defence partners.
Indian authorities have not issued an official statement on the case.