Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the Ministry of External Affairs over the delay in granting him clearance to travel to the United States. The MEA had earlier denied Kharge clearance to travel to the US.
The development comes days after Kharge wrote to Union Minister S. Jaishankar questioning reasons for denying clearance for his US travel. Confirming the MEA has finally granted him clearance, Kharge tweeted, "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."
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… pic.twitter.com/RkBAsg45Zo
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 20, 2025
Kharge charged his application was denied earlier without any official explanation. He said the ministry cleared his travel on June 19, after he raised the issue with ministry and it was widely reported. "36 days after my original application, 15 days after the official denial and 5 days after my scheduled departure, they “revoke” their previous decision," said Kharge.
The Karnataka minister said he originally moved an application for his delegation to travel to the US on May 15. Kharge questioned why was the clearance denied earlier and was it granted now to avoid public scrutiny.
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"While the Centre gives us slogans like 'Make in India', 'Digital India', 'National Quantum Mission' and 'India AI Mission', the real work to realise these aspirations is happening here in Karnataka. They coin the vision, but when we do the work to bring investments, create jobs and position India as a global leader - they block us," Kharge charged.
Several Congress leaders questioned the denial of permission, with former Union minister P. Chidambaram even advising him to approach courts against the denial.
