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State Department refuses diplomatic status to Agnihotri

T V Parasuram in Washington

The United States has turned down India's request to accord diplomatic status to New York-based Ambassador at Large for Indians Overseas B K Agnihotri.

It is learnt that the US State Department has conveyed its rejection of the request made by the Indian embassy to the chief of protocol.

The State Department has argued the US recognises only one ambassador.

Also, India has given Agnihotri the title of an adviser to the Indian embassy in Washington and adviser is not a diplomatic position that is recognised by the State Department.

The recognised titles are ambassador, minister, counsellor, first secretary, second secretary and attache.

Diplomatic status is given by the State Department only to those who have residence in Washington. As Agnihotri lives in New York, he cannot be shown on the diplomatic list in Washington.

Agnihotri is also a permanent resident or green-card holder in the US and permanent residents are not granted diplomatic status.

PTI

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