Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted the significance of Parliamentary Friendship Groups established with over 60 countries, aiming to enhance ties and bolster parliamentary diplomacy as a core element of India’s foreign policy. These groups, initiated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, are designed to expand India’s inter-parliamentary connections and complement traditional diplomacy through ongoing legislative interactions. The move, inspired by the success of Operation Sindoor and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal, is set to deepen relations with key nations and solidify India’s global democratic presence.
As India’s influence on the global stage grows, the initiative is expected to strengthen democratic ties and reinforce parliamentary diplomacy as a fundamental aspect of the country’s foreign policy framework. The engagement between legislators from various political backgrounds is intended to build trust, encourage dialogue, and promote cooperation, showcasing India’s emergence as a responsible and prominent democracy worldwide.
The formation of these groups, led by Members of Parliament from diverse parties, reflects the inclusive and diverse nature of Indian democracy on an international platform. Notable lawmakers such as Ravi Shankar Prasad, P. Chidambaram, Derek O’Brien, and Hema Malini will head these groups, covering nations like Germany, the United States, Japan, and Australia in the initial phase. Plans are in progress to extend this network to more countries, fostering direct lawmaker-to-lawmaker discussions, sharing legislative experiences, and addressing common global challenges faced by democratic societies.
