The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refused to allow Rajya Sabha MP V Sivadasan to attend a "World Parliamentary Forum against Fascism" organised by the Venezuelan government. This forum is set to take place in Caracas on November 4 and 5, with around 300 MPs from around the world expected to participate.

Permission was denied even though the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved it after granting clearance under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). “The FCRA clearance shows that the government has no other concerns. However, without citing any reason, a letter from MEA says “Clearance from the political angle is declined," said the MP.

In the invitation letter sent to the Ministry of External Affairs last month, Pedro Infante, the Vice President of Venezuela, expressed his thanks to the Indian government for helping V Sivadasan with his travel arrangements for the event. The Rajya Sabha MP expressed his disagreement with the ministry's decision by writing a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He said he was surprised to learn that he was not allowed to participate in the Parliamentary Forum Against Fascism, calling it an infringement on his rights.

The external affairs ministry surprised many by denying permission to attend the event, especially since India and Venezuela have good relations and both participate in several multi-lateral platforms. This includes the newly established International Solar Alliance, initiated by India. The CPI(MP) highlighted that both countries are also members of the Non-Aligned Movement. The MP stated that this event brings together lawmakers from different countries, who have been invited by the Parliament of Venezuela to discuss a significant issue affecting the current global political landscape. 

“The growth of far-right and neo-fascist parties across the world is recognised by many democracies as a threat to the social fabric. Many governments and parties, concerned about democracy are coming together to fight this threat. I wanted to join these efforts and strengthen such an initiative. Representing the Left political thought and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) this was an opportunity for me to place my views on the subject and strengthen the struggle against the far-right, neo-fascist threat,” he remarked. 

On October 25, Delcy Rodriguez, the Executive Vice-President of Venezuela, visited India. During her trip, she met with important Indian officials, including the Finance Minister, the External Affairs Minister, and the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.