MEA gives important statement on CM Bhagwant Mann's Lahore visit

During a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that when it comes to relations with foreign countries, the nation has a national policy and everyone is expected to follow it. He stated that the decision to grant political clearance for prominent personalities going abroad is taken only after the ministry reviews its overall foreign policy.

The spokesperson said that India's stance towards Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack should be completely clear to everyone.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had spoken of seeking center's approval to attend the 4th International World Punjabi Conference to be held in Lahore from November 27 to 29. His office is preparing to send a formal application to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Bhagwant Mann had stated in the Punjab Legislative Assembly that he has received an invitation as the chief guest at this three-day cultural gathering. While talking to journalists, he had said that political clearance has to be taken for the visit and he will wait for the central government's decision.

Along with this, the Chief Minister had also advocated reopening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor so that MLAs can pay obeisance at gurdwaras across the border. This corridor has remained suspended due to the tension between the two countries following the Pahalgam attack.

According to central government rules, it is mandatory for all chief ministers, ministers and government officials to take political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs before any foreign tour, especially before visiting Pakistan.

Key developments

• Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann spoke of seeking center's approval for Punjabi conference in Lahore
• MEA stated that political clearance is given according to the country's foreign policy
• Spokesperson referred to India's clear stance towards Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack