US Rebukes Pakistani Reporter's Queries On Australian Journalist's Claims Regarding Indian Elections Coverage

In response to a Pakistani reporter's inquiry about allegations of denial of visa renewal to Australian journalist Avani Dias for covering the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel rebuked the questions, stating that India determines its visa policy for non-citizens.

"The Government of India can speak to its own visa policy. That's not something I'm going to opine on from here," Patel asserted during the press briefing as reported by NDTV.

Highlighting the significance of a free press in democracy, Patel reiterated the US stance on the integral role of media freedom.

"Broadly, we have been clear with countries around the world about the integral role that a free press plays in the fabric of democracy," he stated.

Meanwhile, Dias claimed that she was not permitted to cover the Indian general elections and was compelled to leave the country.

Also multiple reports contested her claims, labeling them as "not correct, misleading, and mischievous."

However, Dias was assured that her visa would be extended for election coverage, with reports emphasizing that visa-holder journalists are allowed to cover election activities outside booths.

Regarding the alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Patel denied making any remarks.

He said, "I'm not aware of the report that you're referencing. This is ultimately a Department of Justice matter and I will defer to them and let them speak to this."

Earlier, an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta was charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun.

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