Om Birla highlights India's global role at 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva

Birla who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) taking place in Geneva from October 13-17, addressed members of the Indian diaspora on Monday.

Emphasizing India's active participation in the Assembly, he noted that it underscores the strength of India's parliamentary diplomacy and its pivotal role in global dialogues addressing common challenges.

Praising the skill, talent, and commitment of the Indian diaspora, Birla recognized them as the nation's strongest brand ambassadors who foster familial relationships and harmony wherever they reside. He highlighted that diversity and inclusiveness define the Indian community worldwide.

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 commended the contributions of the Indian community in Geneva to the local economy and cultural heritage. He observed that their achievements in sectors like business, education, science, technology, and the arts are a source of pride for all Indians. By promoting India's rich traditions and values, they enhance the nation's global image.

Addressing the longstanding cordial relations between India and Switzerland, rooted in shared values such as non-alignment and neutrality, Birla recalled historical instances of cooperation. He noted that Indo-Swiss collaboration has flourished in trade, investment, technology, education, and the environment. Highlighting the recent signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between EFTA countries, including India and Switzerland, he described it as a significant step toward mutual economic development and job creation.

He emphasized that India, as one of the youngest and fastest-growing nations, is vibrant with energy and opportunities, having lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the past decade.

Birla noted that the Indian community in Geneva exemplified 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.

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.

"Indo-Swiss collaboration has flourished in areas including trade, investment, technology, education, and the environment," he added.

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.

During the Assembly, Birla met with heads of parliaments from various countries who were eager to learn about the nuances of running the vibrant parliament of the world's largest democracy. Discussions included India's use of IT and AI in parliamentary functions, reforms in practices and procedures, efficient use of House time, and establishing amiable relations with Members of Parliament.

In bilateral talks with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, HE Mr Roger Mancienne, Birla emphasized the friendly relations built on mutual trust and shared democratic values. He highlighted the partnership inspired by common objectives of global peace, democratic governance, market economy, and a pluralistic society.

Birla acknowledged the key contributions of Indian expatriates in Seychelles and their embodiment of the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

Meeting with Khalid Al Mawali, Speaker of the Consultative Assembly of Oman's State Council, Birla noted the deep friendship between India and Oman, reflected in trade, culture, and common priorities.

He discussed India's journey as the largest democracy, the increasing participation in elections, and the enhanced transparency and efficiency of the electoral process. He highlighted Indians as a bridge of friendship between India and Gulf countries and called for sharing best parliamentary traditions and practices to strengthen democratic systems.

In his discussion with Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, Birla underlined the historical, friendly relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to democracy. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing cooperation in legislative processes, governance, and capacity building.

Birla expressed India's commitment to further strengthening relations and hoped for heightened parliamentary cooperation through exchanges of best legislative practices.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Birla met with IPU President Tulia Ackson. He congratulated her on her leadership and expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of India's relations with the IPU. Emphasizing India's rich democratic heritage and diversity, he noted that tolerance and pluralism are central to Indian society and its parliamentary system.

Birla proposed developing an international resource center for IPU members using the expertise of the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), which has trained parliamentarians from over 115 countries.

Birla held bilateral talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Roger Mancienne. He recalled with happiness the 2017 visit of the Seychelles Parliamentary Delegation to the Parliament of India.

Birla added that visits between the parliamentary delegations of the two countries have given a new dimension to mutual relations. He also met the Speaker of the Consultative Assembly of Oman State Council, Khalid Al Mawali. He called for sharing the best parliamentary traditions, practices and working systems with each other which will help in making the democratic system better and more accessible to the people. He invited the legislators and officials of Oman to avail the capacity building programmes.

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. (ANI)