'Visa matters are sovereign': MEA on row over foreign speakers at Congress event
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs defended the government's decision to deny or cancel visas for foreign speakers invited to a Congress-led summit. The opposition alleges political interference, while the government maintains that visa issuance is a sovereign function.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions regarding academic and political freedom in India and the government's control over international discourse.
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Friday defended India's visa decisions, saying these are "sovereign functions" of every government. The response came amid allegations that more than 100 foreign speakers invited to the Congress-organised Bharat Summit in Hyderabad were denied entry into India or had their visas cancelled."I would like to say, and all of you are aware, that visa matters are sovereign functions of any country or any government. So that is what I have to say," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during his the bi-weekly media briefing.The MEA's response came amid allegations by Congress leaders that several foreign delegates who had received prior clearance from the ministry were subsequently denied entry into India or had their visas revoked.
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India Defends Visa Denials for Speakers Attending Bharat Summit
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