French Journalist Vanessa Dougnac Departs India Amid Overseas Citizenship Dispute

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac has reluctantly departed India following a dispute over the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, citing an inability to await the outcome of the legal process initiated by the government. Dougnac, who has resided in India for 25 years, expressed deep sadness at leaving the country she considers her home and where she has built her life and career.

In a statement, Dougnac, who serves as the South Asia Correspondent for prominent French publications, including La Croix and Le Point, as well as Swiss newspaper Le Temps and Belgian daily Le Soir, recounted her long-standing connection to India. She highlighted her years of journalistic work and personal milestones, emphasizing her attachment to the nation.

The controversy arose when the Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued a notice to Dougnac, questioning her journalistic activities and the validity of her OCI card under the Citizenship Act 1955. Allegations were made that her articles were deemed “malicious” and detrimental to India’s sovereignty and integrity.

Despite Dougnac’s assertion that leaving India was not her choice, she felt compelled to do so due to pressure from the government. The issue was significant enough to be discussed during the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, held on Republic Day.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra addressed the matter, affirming India’s commitment to upholding rules and regulations. While acknowledging France’s perspective on the case, Kwatra underscored the importance of compliance with state laws.

Dougnac’s departure underscores the complexities faced by foreign journalists working in India and raises broader questions about press freedom and the treatment of foreign media personnel in the country.