NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday reiterated New Delhi's tough diplomatic stance towards Islamabad as Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann sought the Centre's clearance to attend a conference in Pakistan.During the bi-weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that requests for political clearance undergo an assessment in line with India's broader foreign policy framework."When it comes to relations with foreign countries, we have a national policy and expect everybody to abide by it. As far as political clearances for dignitaries visiting abroad are concerned, an assessment is made by this ministry, in line with its overall policy and processed accordingly," Jaiswal 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," he added.This comes after Mann said his office was preparing to formally seek clearance to attend the 4th International World Punjabi Conference in Lahore, Pakistan, scheduled from November 27 to 29.Earlier, Mann had confirmed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha that he had received an invitation to serve as the…
MEA reminds India's stance against Pak as Punjab CM seeks clearance for Lahore visit
In short
Bhagwant Mann is seeking permission to travel across the border after being invited as the chief guest for the 4th International World Punjabi Conference in Lahore from November 27 to 29. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized during a briefing that all political figures are expected to adhere to the country's national stance regarding Pakistan. Mann confirmed he will abide by the ministry's formal determination regarding his submitted travel paperwork. Additionally, the chief minister has urged the central government to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to allow lawmakers to visit historical Sikh shrines.
Key points
- The central government evaluates foreign travel requests from state leaders strictly agai…: The central government evaluates foreign travel requests from state leaders strictly against established foreign policy priorities.
- Bhagwant Mann will await the external affairs ministry's formal ruling before proceeding…: Bhagwant Mann will await the external affairs ministry's formal ruling before proceeding with his planned visit to Pakistan.
- State officials are actively seeking the restoration of religious transit routes to permi…: State officials are actively seeking the restoration of religious transit routes to permit legislative visits to Pakistani Sikh shrines.