For ‘political reasons’, MEA says no to Russia trip by Kolkata mayor

Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim’s scheduled visit to Moscow for the Brics summit from September 17-21 was blocked by the Union ministry of external affairs due to political reasons. Although he had received prior approvals from both state and home ministries, his final clearance was withheld by MEA. Hakim was the sole Indian mayor invited.