ok Sabha Speaker Constitutes Friendship Groups with 60+ Countries

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s global democratic engagement, Om Birla has constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with more than 60 countries. The initiative is designed to enhance direct and regular dialogue between the Indian Parliament and legislatures across the world.

The move reflects India’s commitment to reinforcing parliamentary diplomacy alongside traditional diplomatic channels.

Multi-Party Representation Highlights Democratic Strength

The Friendship Groups include Members of Parliament from all major political parties, demonstrating bipartisan cooperation beyond party politics. Senior leaders entrusted with responsibilities in various groups include Ravi Shankar Prasad, P. Chidambaram, Shashi Tharoor, Akhilesh Yadav, Supriya Sule, Anurag Singh Thakur, Asaduddin Owaisi, Derek O’Brien, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Hema Malini, and several others.

This inclusive approach underscores the strength and diversity of Indian democracy on the global stage.

Countries Covered in the First Phase

In the first phase, Friendship Groups have been formed with over 60 countries, including:

1. United States

2. Russia

3. United Kingdom

4. France

5. Japan

6. Germany

7. Australia

8. Saudi Arabia

9. Israel

10. Sri Lanka

11. Bhutan

12. Nepal

13. South Africa

14. Brazil

15. United Arab Emirates

16. European Parliament

Several additional countries are expected to be included in the coming phases.

Objectives of Parliamentary Friendship Groups

The primary objective of these groups is to provide Members of Parliament an opportunity to:

1. Engage directly with foreign counterparts

2. Exchange legislative experiences and best practices

3. Strengthen mutual trust through regular dialogue

4. Promote cooperation in trade, technology, culture, and social policy

5. Discuss global challenges collaboratively

The initiative emphasizes Parliament-to-Parliament and People-to-People connections as a complement to executive diplomacy.

Strengthening India’s Global Democratic Identity

Under the leadership of Om Birla, the Indian Parliament has actively participated in international forums, projecting India as a confident, responsible, and mature democracy committed to dialogue and cooperation.

The formation of these Friendship Groups also builds upon the spirit of national unity demonstrated after Operation Sindoor, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a multi-party outreach initiative to present India’s position globally. The cross-party participation in Friendship Groups reinforces the message that national interest transcends political differences.

Expanding Global Parliamentary Engagement

While more than 60 countries have been covered in the first phase, efforts are underway to establish similar groups with additional nations in the near future.

This initiative marks a major step in strengthening India’s parliamentary diplomacy and further solidifies the role of the Lok Sabha as a bridge between nations and as a strong voice of the world’s largest democracy.