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No diplomatic status for Agnihotri: USA

Washington, August 10
The USA has ruled out any diplomatic status for Ambassador-at-large for Overseas Indians Bhishma Kumar Agnihotri, saying there are certain criteria for according such a status.

It is reliably learnt that the State Department conveyed its decision to the Indian Embassy here in response to such a request made by it.

The reasons cited are that the department recognises only one Ambassador and since Mr Agnihotri is an official adviser to the Indian Embassy, the State Department does not confer diplomatic status on such a position.

It recognises only Ambassador, minister, counsellor, first secretary, second secretary and attaches as fit to have diplomatic status.

Besides this, no permanent resident or green card holder can be recognised as a diplomat, the State Department has said. Mr Agnihotri is a permanent US resident and lives in New York. IANS