New Delhi, 13 November (H.S.): Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday emphasised that India's engagement with other countries is guided by a national policy and that everyone is expected to adhere to it. His remarks came in response to a question about the invitation extended to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to attend a Punjabi conference in Lahore, Pakistan.

Chief Minister Mann has publicly expressed his desire to attend the event. However, he has also voiced doubts over whether the Centre would grant him political clearance for the visit. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Office has indicated that it would consider facilitating a visa for Mann if he wishes to travel to the country.

Responding to a question on the issue, the MEA spokesperson said, In the context of our relations with other countries, we have a national policy, and we expect everyone to follow it. He added that the Ministry assesses requests for political clearance for dignitaries undertaking foreign visits in accordance with its overall policy and takes decisions accordingly. He stressed that India's position towards Pakistan should be clear in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

It may be noted that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been invited as the chief guest at the World Punjabi Conference, scheduled to be held in Lahore from November 27 to 29.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan has said that Pakistan would consider issuing a visa to Mann if he wishes to attend the conference. He also clarified that the question of whether the Indian government grants permission for the visit is entirely separate from Pakistan's decision on issuing a visa.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar