Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking a formal explanation for the denial of political clearance for his scheduled official trip to the United States.
In his letter sent on Friday, Kharge questioned the lack of communication and transparency from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the decision.
Kharge explained that the visit, scheduled between June 14–27, 2025, was tied to two major international events:
- The BIO International Convention in Boston, and
- The Design Automation Conference in San Francisco
He was also likely to meet with global companies, universities, and institutions to promote investment and job creation in Karnataka.
Kharge expressed concern over the absence of any formal reasoning behind the denial.
“It becomes difficult to assess and plan future engagements. It also raises doubts on the consistency of the process,” he noted.
He urged the MEA to adopt a more transparent and consultative approach for official engagements, especially when they align with national interests.
Kharge calls it a lost opportunity for India
Highlighting Karnataka’s position as a technology and innovation leader, Kharge said the state plays a pivotal role in sectors like IT, biotechnology, aerospace, and defence production.
He called the denial a missed opportunity to boost India’s international collaboration and strengthen confidence among global investors.
“This visit would have supported the Prime Minister’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision,” he stated.
Speaking to the press after returning from a Paris visit, Kharge criticised the Centre for trying to ‘undermine Karnataka’s success’.
He added that the entire delegation was initially denied permission. Later, others were cleared, but he was still denied. “If the rejection is valid, give reasons. This kind of denial is unacceptable,” he said.
“We were not going there to play ‘Dandiya’,” he remarked, adding that he would meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before briefing the media further.
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