Indian-origin professor loses OCI status over 'anti-India' stance on Kashmir

Nitasha Kaul, a UK-based Indian-origin academic and Kashmiri Pandit, has had her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status revoked by the Indian government for what it described as “anti-India activities.” The political economist and professor had previously testified before the US Congress in 2019, criticising the Indian government over human rights issues following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

On May 18, Kaul publicly shared a portion of the official cancellation notice, which accused her of acting with “malice” and targeting India's sovereignty through speeches and writings at international platforms. The government alleged that her actions demonstrated a complete disregard for historical and factual context and were repeatedly hostile toward Indian institutions.

Kaul had gained attention after appearing as a key witness in an October 2019 hearing of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she questioned the democratic nature of India's move to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. She had described the post-abrogation situation as one marked by “state violence” and widespread detentions, including of minors.

Her deportation from India in 2024 had already stirred controversy. She had landed in Bengaluru at the invitation of the Karnataka state government but was denied entry by immigration officials, allegedly due to her vocal criticism of the ruling party’s ideology. She termed the episode a blow to democratic values and an insult to the state government that had invited her.

Nitasha Kaul is currently a professor at the University of Westminster, London. She completed her graduation from Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce and later pursued her postgraduate and doctoral studies in the UK. Her academic focus includes politics, international relations, and critical interdisciplinary studies. With the latest move by the Indian government, her OCI status stands officially terminated.