Indian authorities have ordered a British couple to leave the country after accusing them of violating tourist visa rules by engaging in political activities in the western state of Rajasthan.
Police said Lewis Gabriel D and Anushi Emma Christine pasted “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel” stickers across multiple locations in the temple town of Pushkar, a popular destination that attracts large numbers of Israeli tourists.
The Rajasthan police received a report on 21 January about the stickers, prompting an investigation. Officials stated that the couple’s actions amounted to political advocacy, which Indian law prohibits under the conditions of a tourist visa.
“Engaging in activities that disrespect other nations while on Indian soil is a clear violation of visa rules,” said Rajesh Meena, Additional Superintendent of Police, in a statement to The Times of India.
Speaking to India Today, Meena added that authorities closely monitor the activities of foreign nationals. “If any foreign citizen violates the conditions of a tourist visa, authorities will take strict action, including deportation and possible blacklisting,” he said.
The police’s Criminal Investigation Department issued a notice to the couple on Monday under the Immigration and Foreigners Act of 2025. Officials revoked their visas and ordered them to leave India immediately.
Global calls to “Free Palestine” have intensified since Israel launched a military offensive on Gaza in October 2023. Palestinian officials report that Israeli attacks have killed at least 71,800 people and devastated much of the densely populated enclave. The war followed a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect last October, Israeli forces have continued to carry out attacks in Gaza, killing around 500 additional people, according to Palestinian sources.
India has avoided directly criticising Israel’s military actions as diplomatic and defence ties between the two countries have deepened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. Israel remains one of India’s largest arms suppliers, and Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Israel later this month, according to Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.