New Delhi, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said all dignitaries must abide by India’s national policy on relations with foreign countries, responding to a question about Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann being invited to Lahore for the international World Punjabi Conference.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said political clearances for dignitaries travelling abroad are assessed by the ministry in accordance with the country’s overall foreign policy.
“When it comes to relations with foreign countries, we have a national policy and expect everybody to abide by it,” Jaiswal said during the ministry’s bi-weekly media briefing.
He added that the ministry assesses requests for political clearance and processes them in line with its policy. Referring specifically to Pakistan, he said, “As far as our position on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack is concerned, it should be amply clear to all as to where we stand.”
Jaiswal’s remarks come amid the invitation extended to Mann to visit Lahore for the conference. The spokesperson did not announce a specific decision on the Punjab Chief Minister’s proposed visit.
The MEA had denied political clearance to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s proposed visit to the United States in August. The ministry had said the programmes proposed for the US leg were not appropriate to the office held and the purpose of the visit.
According to the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office, the state had sought permission for Reddy’s visits to the UK and the US under established procedures. While clearance was initially granted for the UK visit, the state was informed after the official delegation had reached the UK that permission for the US leg would not be granted.
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