The repeated denial of political clearance has once again brought Centre and State relations into focus, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the Union government of targeting opposition-ruled states.

Party leaders argue that such restrictions hamper Punjab's ability to engage internationally on issues like investment, education and diaspora outreach, especially when chief ministers from other states have undertaken overseas visits in the past.

The Punjab Chief Minister was to lead the delegation to the two European countries to seek investment for the state, ahead of the Investors Summit scheduled for next month.

Under established protocol, chief ministers require political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs for any official foreign travel. While the MEA does not publicly disclose reasons for granting or withholding clearance, the issue has increasingly become politically contentious.

With this being the third instance of a proposed foreign visit being stalled, the cancellations add to the growing friction between the Mann-led Punjab government and the Centre, ahead of an already charged political climate.