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Politics
MEA Reiterates India's Stance on Pakistan as Punjab CM Seeks Clearance for Lahore Visit
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 08:01 AM
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The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India's position on Pakistan while Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked for permission to travel to Lahore.
New Delhi – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement reiterating India's long‑standing position on Pakistan, emphasizing that Delhi continues to view Islamabad as a hostile neighbour and that all diplomatic engagements must align with that stance.
In a parallel development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has formally sought clearance from the central government to visit Lahore. The CM says the trip aims to explore cultural and people‑to‑people links, but any official travel to Pakistan requires approval from the MEA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Officials in New Delhi have not yet responded to the request, and the MEA's reminder underscores that any visit will be scrutinised against India's security and foreign‑policy considerations.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with recent cross‑border incidents reinforcing New Delhi's cautious approach to any engagement with Pakistan.
Both the MEA and the Punjab government are expected to continue dialogue over the clearance request, balancing diplomatic protocol with regional political interests.
In a parallel development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has formally sought clearance from the central government to visit Lahore. The CM says the trip aims to explore cultural and people‑to‑people links, but any official travel to Pakistan requires approval from the MEA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Officials in New Delhi have not yet responded to the request, and the MEA's reminder underscores that any visit will be scrutinised against India's security and foreign‑policy considerations.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with recent cross‑border incidents reinforcing New Delhi's cautious approach to any engagement with Pakistan.
Both the MEA and the Punjab government are expected to continue dialogue over the clearance request, balancing diplomatic protocol with regional political interests.