Priyank Kharge alleges MEA blocked his official US visit, seeks explanation from Centre
Bengaluru: Karnataka IT Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied him clearance for an official visit to the United States, despite his participation being scheduled at two major international events.
Kharge was slated to attend the BIO International Convention in Boston and the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco. However, according to sources, although he holds a valid US visa, MEA clearance, which is mandatory for official foreign visits by ministers, was reportedly not granted.
Responding to media reports on the denial, Kharge stated on social media, “I’m holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I’m back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial.”
The Congress leader is currently in France, where he attended VivaTech 2025, the Paris Air Forum, and the Paris Air Show as part of his official engagements.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Prashanth GS played down the controversy, telling NDTV, “There is no clarity about the level at which clearance was denied,” and refrained from further comment until the MEA provides an official explanation.
The MEA has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
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Three footballers of Indian origin named in squads for FIFA World Cup 2026
New Delhi: Three footballers of Indian origin have been named in preliminary or final squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
According to a report published by Mathrubhumi, Sarpreet Singh was included in the New Zealand national football team squad which was announced on Wednesday.
Born in Auckland to Indian parents, Singh was eligible to represent India through his family roots but chose to play for New Zealand. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior international debut in 2018 and has since become a regular member of the national side.
Singh has made 26 appearances for New Zealand and has scored three goals while providing seven assists.
Julen Lopetegui has included two players of Indian origin: Niall Mason and Tahsin Mohammed, in Qatar’s selections for the tournament.
Mason, a defender whose mother is Indian, previously trained in the youth academies of Real Madrid, Southampton FC and Aston Villa FC. Although he received his first senior call-up earlier this year, the Qatar defender is yet to make his senior international debut.
Tahsin Mohammed, 19, was born to parents from Kerala’s Kannur district. His father Jamshid is from Thalassery, while his mother Shaima belongs to Valapattanam. The winger became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, Qatar’s premier domestic football competition.
Mohammed has made two appearances for the senior Qatar side, including in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
