What Clarification is K’taka Minister Kharge Seeking from EAM Jaishankar Regarding US Visit Clearance?

Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, has addressed a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking clarity on the refusal of political clearance for his official trip to the United States.

In his correspondence, Minister Kharge expressed, “I am requesting a formal clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs concerning the denial of political clearance for my planned official visit to the United States scheduled from June 14-27, 2025.”

“This visit was organized around two notable international events: the BIO International Convention in Boston and the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco, along with various official meetings with leading companies, universities, and institutions. My role was to represent the Government of Karnataka to foster collaborations, draw investments, and create job opportunities for the state,” he elaborated.

“Without a formal communication from the Ministry explaining the reasons for the denial, it is challenging to evaluate and arrange future engagements of this nature. This situation also raises concerns about the consistency of the process, particularly when these visits are official, sector-critical, and in the National Interest,” Minister Kharge pointed out.

“Hence, I respectfully urge the Ministry to provide a formal explanation for the denial and consider adopting a more transparent and consultative approach in managing such official engagements in the future,” Priyank Kharge requested.

Karnataka is recognized as the technological hub and growth engine not just for India but for the Asia-Pacific region. It has emerged as a global frontrunner in innovation and start-ups, consistently maintaining its leadership in information technology, biotechnology, electronics design and manufacturing, aerospace, space technology, and defense production, he further mentioned.

This leadership has been established through a vibrant ecosystem supported by forward-thinking state-led policies and robust global partnerships, earning Karnataka its reputation as a preferred location for international collaboration and investment, Kharge noted.

“Given Karnataka’s distinctive leadership as outlined above, the lack of ministerial-level representation during such an important official visit is a missed opportunity to enhance India’s engagement, reinforce confidence among global partners, and showcase our commitment to these sectors. Participation in such visits aligns with our National priorities and would have directly contributed to the larger vision of 'Viksit Bharat' set forth by the Prime Minister,” Kharge emphasized.

In response to the Central government's denial of permission for his US visit, Minister Priyank Kharge remarked on Thursday that the NDA government seems intent on undermining Karnataka’s success.

Speaking to reporters at the Bengaluru International Airport after returning from a tour of Paris, Priyank Kharge commented, “It appears they are attempting to obstruct Karnataka’s success.”

“It is acceptable if they deny permission, but there should be valid reasons for such actions. If appropriate reasons are provided, it becomes understandable. However, the outright denial of permission for the US visit is unjust,” he stated.

“We were not heading to the US to engage in ‘Dandiya’ (a traditional dance form). I will meet with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss this issue. Following our discussion, we will update the media,” he said.

“The Central government must present valid reasons for rejecting the visit to the US. Initially, the entire delegation was denied permission, but later, the delegation was approved while I was still denied permission,” Kharge concluded.