India clarified on Friday that the notice issued to a Delhi-based French journalist was due to visa rule violations and not related to the nature of her journalism. This explanation was provided during bilateral talks with the French delegation as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's two-day visit to India.

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac received a notice from New Delhi, alleging violation of visa rules, and was required to respond by February 2. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, addressing reporters during a briefing on Macron's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the issue had been brought to the attention of the Indian side by the French delegation.