AMN / GENEVA
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that the Indian diaspora is defined by its values of diversity and inclusiveness. Mr Birla is leading the Indian Parliamentary delegation to the 149th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva.
The Lok Sabha Speaker while addressing the Indian diaspora yesterday praised the skills, talent and commitment of the community. He said that the diaspora is a strong brand ambassador of India.
He said that India is facing global challenges and it gets strength from its citizens and the Indian diaspora.
Praising the skill, talent, and commitment of the Indian Diaspora, recognizing their potential as the nation’s strongest brand ambassadors and noting their ability to foster familial relationships and harmony wherever they reside, Birla emphasized the values of diversity and inclusiveness that define the Indian community. He highlighted India’s leadership in confronting global challenges, attributing this confidence to both strong leadership and the power of its citizens and Diaspora.
Birla opined that the Indian community in Geneva exemplifies the love for India and their contributions to the local economy and cultural heritage. He commended the NRI Community for promoting India’s rich traditions and values, thereby enhancing the nation’s global image. He observed that their achievements across various sectors—such as business, education, science, technology, and the arts—serve as a source of pride for all Indians.
Acknowledging the longstanding cordial relations between India and Switzerland, rooted in shared values such as non-alignment and neutrality, Birla recalled the historical instances of cooperation between the two countries. He added that Indo-Swiss collaboration has flourished in areas including trade, investment, technology, education, and the environment. Speaking about the economic ties between India and Switzerland, Birla observed that the signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between EFTA countries, including India and Switzerland, is a significant step toward mutual economic development and job creation. He noted that India, as one of the youngest and fastest growing nations in the world, is vibrant with energy and opportunities. He added that over the past decade, substantial progress has been made, lifting 250 million people out of poverty.
KEENNESS TO LEARN FROM INDIA: BIRLA SHARES PERSPECTIVES ON PARLIAMENTARY WORK WITH SPEAKERS OF WORLD PARLIAMENTS
When the heads of Parliaments of various countries met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, they were eager to know the nuances of running the vibrant Parliament of world’s largest democracy. While some Speakers asked him how he had used IT and AI in functioning of Indian Parliament, others were keen to know about his initiatives to reform practice and procedures. Many others enquired about his initiatives of making judicious use House time. Several Speakers appreciated his efforts to establish amiable relations with Members of Parliament.
LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SEYCHELLES
During his visit to Geneva for the 149th IPU Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker,i Om Birla held bilateral talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Roger Mancienne. Noting India’s historically friendly and cordial relations with Seychelles, Birla said that the relations between the two countries are built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared values of democracy and inclusiveness. He added that the partnership between India and Seychelles is inspired by the common objectives of global peace with equality, democratic governance, market economy, and pluralistic society. Birla also noted the key contributions of Indian expatriates in the development and growth of Seychelles. He added that Indians always uphold the heritage and spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam around the world.
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LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NAMIBIA
During the 149th IPU Assembly Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia (SWAPO) Mr. Peter Katjavivi. Speaking on the occasion, Birla underlined the historical, friendly and cordial relations between the two countries. He added that the struggle against colonialism and commitment to democracy are shared values of the two countries.
Mentioning India’s democratic heritage, Birla underscored that as the world’s largest democracy, India’s parliamentary structure is based on inclusivity, transparency and accountability. Birla noted that Parliaments play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. He added that through parliamentary diplomacy two countries can enhance cooperation in the areas of legislative processes, governance and capacity building.
Reiterating India’s position that India has always been committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of friendly countries in times of disaster, Birla opined this policy of India reflects the strengthening of understanding and partnership between the two countries. India is committed to further strengthening the relations between India and Namibia, he added.
Calling for further strengthening parliamentary cooperation between India and Namibia, Birla hoped that parliamentary cooperation between the two countries will reach new heights through parliamentary exchanges of practices, procedures and best legislative practices.
LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS IPU PRESIDENT
On the sidelines of the 149th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met the President of the IPU H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson.
Recalling his previous meeting with H.E. Ms. Ackson in New Delhi, he congratulated her on her leadership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and wished for the success of ongoing 149th Assembly. Shri Birla also recalled his previous visit to Tanzania in January 2023.
Emphasizing India’s rich democratic heritage, Shri Birla stated that India not only the largest democracy but also the most diverse, with unparalleled geographic, religious, linguistic, cultural, and ethnic variety among its people and regions. He added that the principles of tolerance and pluralism are central to Indian society and guide its parliamentary system.
Birla noted that India’s long-standing membership in the IPU highlights its commitment to democratic governance and strengthening parliamentary institutions. He expressed confidence that over the past decade, India’s relations with the IPU have strengthened, and that they will continue to grow under the H.E. Ms. Ackson’s leadership. Mentioning the efforts being undertaken by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Birla informed that this key training institution of the Parliament of India, has trained parliamentarians from over 115 countries. He proposed developing an international resource center for IPU members using PRIDE’s expertise.