Is It True German Students Were Told to Leave India?

Yes, it is true that a German student was asked to leave India after participating in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

In December 2019, Jakob Lindenthal, a German exchange student studying physics at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, took part in anti-CAA demonstrations in Chennai. Following his participation, he was summoned by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and informed that his involvement in political activities violated the terms of his student visa. Consequently, he was asked to leave the country immediately and departed on December 23, 2019.

Lindenthal expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to his academic program but maintained that he had no regrets about standing up for what he believed in. He emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and peaceful protest in a democracy.

This incident underscores the Indian authorities' stance that foreign nationals should refrain from participating in domestic political activities, as such involvement can be deemed a violation of visa conditions.