New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has defended India's handling of international travel clearances following allegations that a large number of speakers invited to the upcoming Bharat Summit have been denied visas or had them cancelled.

Addressing a media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to questions regarding claims that out of 315 approved speakers for the summit, as many as 115 had failed to secure visas.

The queries also touched upon concerns raised by opposition leaders, including former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and Congress MPs, who alleged that the decision stemmed from instructions issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Directly addressing ...