British Academic Nitasha Kaul Claims OCI Status Revoked Due to Criticism of Indian Government

Cancellation of OCI Status

Nitasha Kaul, a British academic of Indian descent, announced on Sunday that her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status has been revoked. She attributes this decision to her research and writings that critique the government's policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which she describes as anti-minority and anti-democratic.

Kaul characterized the cancellation as a malicious act of transnational repression, reflecting a broader trend of silencing dissent.

The OCI status allows individuals of Indian origin to reside and work in India without restrictions.

In a post shared on X, Kaul revealed that the Indian government accused her of engaging in activities deemed harmful to India, claiming her work disregards factual history.

The government's communication stated: 'Your numerous hostile writings, speeches, and journalistic endeavors at various international platforms and social media consistently target India and its institutions regarding its sovereignty.'

Response to OCI Cancellation

In her remarks regarding the cancellation, Kaul emphasized that the arrest of academics in India for opposing hate speech is closely linked to restricting access for scholars abroad. She stated, 'The intention is to send a message – do not challenge us domestically, nor analyze our actions for external audiences.'

Background and Advocacy

IMPORTANT NOTE - I received a cancellation of my #OCI (Overseas Citizenship of #India) *today* after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of #TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority & anti-democratic policies of #Modi rule. pic.twitter.com/7L60klIfrv

— Professor Nitasha Kaul, PhD (@NitashaKaul) May 18, 2025

Kaul, who hails from a Kashmiri Pandit background, has been vocal against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological foundation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

In 2019, she provided crucial testimony before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, discussing human rights abuses in Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to the region.

Currently, Kaul is a professor specializing in politics and international studies at the University of Westminster in London.

Earlier in February 2024, she faced deportation from Bengaluru airport, where she was barred from entering India despite holding a valid visa, due to her advocacy for democratic principles.