Om Birla sets up 'Parliamentary Friendship Groups' with over 60 nations; Tharoor, Owaisi, Nishikant Dubey among leaders
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has taken a significant step to enhance India's global influence by establishing Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 countries. This initiative aims to strengthen inter-parliamentary engagement and complement traditional diplomacy through sustained dialogue and legislative exchanges. The move reflects India's commitment to fostering deeper connections with nations across continents, marking a notable shift in its foreign policy strategy.
The groups will be led by prominent politicians from various political parties, including Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, P. Chidambaram, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Nishikant Dubey. Their involvement underscores the bipartisan support for this initiative and highlights India's efforts to bridge political divides both domestically and internationally. The inclusion of diverse voices ensures that the groups can address a wide range of global issues from a multi-faceted perspective.
The countries covered by these Parliamentary Friendship Groups span key regions, including Sri Lanka, Germany, South Africa, Russia, the United States, and the European Parliament, among others. This broad representation underscores India's goal to expand its influence beyond traditional diplomatic channels and engage with legislatures globally. By fostering direct dialogue between lawmakers, India aims to build stronger international partnerships that go beyond short-term political gains.
This initiative is significant for several reasons. It not only enhances India's soft power but also provides a platform for legislators to collaborate on shared challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic development. By leveraging the unique role of parliaments in shaping policies and public opinion, India is positioning itself as a proactive player in global governance.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the establishment of these groups demonstrates India's commitment to multilateralism and its vision for a more collaborative international order. As global challenges become more complex, such initiatives are essential for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. The success of this program could serve as a model for other countries looking to strengthen their international relations through parliamentary engagement.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026