Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi for being named President of the India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Lok Sabha Speaker has appointed senior Opposition leaders to head various Parliamentary Friendship Groups with different countries. These groups, comprising 11 members each, aim to enhance parliamentary-level engagement between nations.
Sarma’s remarks followed Gogoi’s formal nomination as the President of the India-Philippines Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha. The Friendship Group focuses on strengthening cooperation between the two democracies at the parliamentary level. Sarma sarcastically suggested that Gogoi should have been assigned responsibilities related to Pakistan instead.
The Chief Minister’s comments are viewed as part of the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and Congress in Assam, particularly with the 2026 Assembly elections approaching. Sarma has frequently criticized Gogoi, questioning his political stance on national and international matters.
A communication from the Lok Sabha Secretariat confirmed the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group between India and the Philippines for the current Lok Sabha term. The group aims to bolster parliamentary-level engagement and dialogue between the two countries. Such informal forums play a crucial role in promoting bilateral ties and mutual understanding on common issues.
India and the Philippines have been enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as defence, maritime security, trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Strengthening parliamentary-level interactions is considered vital for further deepening the bilateral relations between the two nations.
