The Union government has denied political clearance for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's proposed visit to the United Kingdom and Israel, scheduled for February to attract investments. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab confirmed the denial, stating that State Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora was also part of the delegation. The planned trip aimed to engage potential investors for the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, slated for March 13-15, 2026, in Mohali. According to Punjab AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu, no specific reason was cited by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for denying the clearance. This move has sparked concerns regarding Centre-state relations and the state's efforts to foster economic growth and attract foreign direct investment. This incident marks the second time Chief Minister Mann has faced such a denial, with a similar situation occurring in August 2024 when he was denied permission to visit Paris to support the Indian hockey team at the Olympic Games. Despite this setback, the Punjab government had successfully conducted an investment tour to Japan and South Korea in December of the previous year. The denial of political clearance for senior leaders traveling abroad is a prerogative of the MEA, which often involves various calculations, though specific reasons are not always disclosed. The AAP has criticized the decision, arguing that such denials impede Punjab's international outreach for development and job creation.