Across India, young people are taking to the streets to ask difficult questions about their democracy.

Whatever our politics, they have the right to do so.

Protests over changes to India’s electoral rolls have seen students, young activists and other citizens detained and forcibly removed by police. Journalists covering these demonstrations have also alleged serious misconduct by police officers.

These images should concern every Indian — including those of us living outside India.

Students should not have to fear the police for raising their voices.

Journalists should not risk assault or intimidation simply for doing their jobs.

And peaceful protest should never be treated as a threat to the nation.

We are Indians living abroad. We are watching. Millions of us live far from India while remaining deeply connected to the country we came from — to our families, our communities and its future.

We may disagree about political parties, governments and policies. But some principles should transcend those disagreements.

The freedom to question those in power is one of them.

India's young people deserve the same democratic freedoms that many of us enjoy in the countries where we now live.

When students protest peacefully, they should be heard — not beaten, dragged away or arbitrarily detained.

When journalists document what happens on India's streets, they should be protected — not harassed, assaulted or prevented from reporting.

A democracy should not be afraid of its students. And a free country should not be afraid of its journalists.

We call on Indian authorities to:

End the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters and ensure that police responses to demonstrations respect constitutional rights.
Protect students and young people exercising their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Ensure an independent, transparent investigation into allegations of police misconduct, including allegations involving journalists covering the demonstrations, and hold those responsible accountable.
Guarantee that journalists can report on demonstrations freely and safely, without detention, intimidation, harassment or violence.
Ensure that anyone detained solely for peacefully protesting is released and that peaceful dissent is not criminalised.

To India's students: you are not alone.
Those of us outside India have a particular responsibility.

We stand with students who peacefully raise their voices.

We stand with journalists who continue to report despite intimidation.

And we stand for an India strong enough to tolerate disagreement, listen to its young people and protect the right of every citizen to question those in power.

If you are an Indian living abroad — or anyone who believes in India's democratic future — add your name.

Tell India's students and journalists: the world is watching, and you are not alone.