After denial, Priyank Kharge now secures External Affairs Ministry's clearance for US travel visit

The Congress leader said on X, "So in a U-turn, the Ministry of External Affairs has now decided to revoke its earlier decision and grant me a clearance for an official visit to the United States.

"I had sought permission on 15 May to travel between 14–27 June to represent the Government of Karnataka at two major global forums and over 25 official meetings with top companies, universities and institutions for collaborations and pitch for investments..."

The Electronics and IT minister was scheduled to visit the US from June 14 to 27.

Priyank, who is from the state that locates India's IT hub Bengaluru, was about to lead delegations to the Boston Bio 2025 and Design Automation Conference in San Francisco.

After he was earlier denied permission to travel to the US, the son of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge had written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Priyank wrote on Wednesday, "I have written to the Minister of External Affairs, Sri. Jaishankar, seeking clarity on why political clearance for my official visit to the United States was denied. I do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Karnataka, to whom I am duty-bound.

"The visit was aimed at strengthening collaborations, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the state. Denying a Cabinet Minister and the custodian of one of the world’s largest technology clusters, the ability to carry out such official responsibilities without explanation, raises serious concerns. It is not only against the interests of the state but also undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism."

"I hope the Ministry provides a clear written clarification at the earliest."