India’s Foreign Ministry Emphasizes National Policy on International Travel for Officials
Indias Foreign Ministry stresses adherence to national policy for foreign travel by officials, responding to Punjab CMs invitation to Pakistan.
New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated the importance of adhering to national policy regarding international travel by officials. During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that political approvals for foreign trips are determined based on this established policy.
This statement came in response to inquiries about Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s invitation to attend the World Punjabi Conference in Lahore. Jaiswal stated, “When it comes to relations with other countries, we have a national policy, and we expect everyone to follow it. As for granting political approval for foreign travel by dignitaries, the Ministry assesses each case according to its overall policy and makes decisions accordingly.”
Addressing India’s stance on Pakistan, Jaiswal remarked, “Our position regarding Pakistan, particularly after the Pulwama terrorist attack, is clear to everyone.”
Earlier in August, the MEA denied political approval for Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s trip to the United States. Rao was scheduled to travel from the UK for a week-long visit to the US. The Ministry clarified that the proposed itinerary did not align with the purpose of his position, leading to the denial of approval.
At that time, a spokesperson mentioned, “The Ministry evaluates foreign trips by chief ministers and other dignitaries to grant political approval. The proposed itinerary must be appropriate for the respective position and travel purpose. In this case, it was not deemed suitable for the US trip, so approval was not granted.”
According to a statement from the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office, the state government had followed the necessary procedures and protocols to seek permission from the central government for Rao’s trips to the UK and the US. Initially, only the UK visit was approved. However, after the official delegation arrived in the UK, the state government was informed that permission for the US visit would not be granted.
