New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday underscored that political clearances for foreign travel by Indian dignitaries are strictly governed by established national policy, issuing a sharp reminder of New Delhi's hardened diplomatic stance toward Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The ministry's response came after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated earlier in the day that his office is preparing to formally seek central clearance to attend the 4th International World Punjabi Conference in Lahore, Pakistan, scheduled from November 27 to 29.

Addressing media queries during a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that any request for political clearance undergoes an asse...