Two British nationals have reportedly been expelled from India after they were found placing pro-Palestinian stickers around a temple town.
Authorities in the state announced on Monday that Lewis Gabriel D and Anushi Emma Christine were deported for violating the conditions of their tourist visas. The pair were involved in political activism during their visit to Pushkar, a well-known pilgrimage site in Rajasthan.
Local officials were alerted on January 21 when the duo was spotted distributing stickers that read, “Free Palestine. Boycott Israel,” throughout the town.
The police acted promptly, charging the couple with breaching India’s immigration regulations and potentially straining diplomatic relations.
Superintendent Rajesh Meena commented to The Times of India, “Participating in actions that disrespect other countries while in India is a blatant violation of visa regulations.”
He further emphasized the vigilance over foreign visitors, stating to India Today, “We maintain a stringent watch on the activities of international tourists.”
‘If any foreign citizen is found violating the conditions of a tourist visa, they will be identified, and strict action will be taken, including deportation and blacklisting for the future.’
According to Mr Meena, the police’s criminal investigation department issued a formal notice to the British pair on Monday under the Immigration and Foreigners Act of 2025, revoking their visas and ordering them to leave India immediately.
State police on Monday said Lewis Gabriel D and Anushi Emma Christine (pictured, according to Indian press) were deported for breaching strict tourist visa conditions by engaging in political activism
Officials said they were alerted on January 21 after the pair were seen placing the stickers (pictured, according to Indian press) around the town, reading: ‘Free Palestine. Boycott Israel’
The couple had been visiting the pilgrimage hotspot of Pushkar in Rajasthan (file image of Pushkar)
The incident comes amid heightened global tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict
Pushkar, famous for its sacred lake and camel fair, is also a popular destination for young Israeli travellers unwinding after military service.
Local media reports suggest the town currently hosts around 2,000 Israelis, many of whom frequent venues connected to Chabad, a global Hasidic Jewish movement.
The incident comes amid heightened global tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Calls to ‘free Palestine’ have surged since Israel launched a devastating military campaign in October 2023, which has killed at least 71,800 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins.
The war was triggered after Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 251 hostages.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire taking effect last October, Israeli forces have continued to carry out deadly strikes on the enclave, reportedly killing around 500 people since the truce began.
India has largely avoided publicly criticising Israel, with ties between the two nations strengthening under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government.
Israel is now one of India’s biggest arms suppliers, and Mr Modi is expected to visit the country later this month, according to Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar.
At the same time, India has long supported a two-state solution in international forums, backing the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to mount in Gaza. Israel has allowed just five critically ill Palestinian patients to leave through the Rafah Crossing since it reopened, despite earlier reports suggesting up to 50 patients a day would be permitted to exit with relatives as part of the ceasefire deal.
More than 18,000 injured people are currently awaiting medical treatment, according to the World Health Organisation, while Gaza’s health ministry puts the figure at more than 20,000.
Unicef estimates that over 3,000 of those awaiting care are children.
