Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Strengthens Parliamentary Diplomacy During 150th IPU Assembly in Tashkent

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening ties with Uzbekistan and other global partners during his visit to Tashkent for the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). His visit highlighted India’s emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy, cooperation in emerging sectors, and shared democratic values.

During his meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Shri Birla emphasized the “timeless ties of history and heritage” between India and Uzbekistan. He underlined the need to expand cooperation in critical and emerging areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and peaceful nuclear energy.

Reflecting on India’s democratic journey, Shri Birla spoke of the nation’s enduring commitment to social inclusion and grassroots empowerment. He highlighted India’s historic “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” as a symbol of the country’s progressive vision, promoting greater representation of women in legislative bodies.

Shri Birla also paid homage to India’s former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri by laying floral tributes at his bust in Tashkent, a gesture of enduring respect and friendship.

On the sidelines of the IPU Assembly, Shri Birla held meetings with presiding officers of several participating parliaments, including:

• Uzbekistan: In his meeting with H.E. Ms. Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Oliy Majlis, Shri Birla congratulated Uzbekistan on hosting a successful IPU Assembly and appreciated the country’s advancements across multiple sectors. He advocated for deeper parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
• Israel: Meeting with H.E. Mr. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, Shri Birla recalled their previous discussions in New Delhi and highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Israel, particularly in technology, defense, and agriculture.
• Kazakhstan: Shri Birla congratulated H.E. Mr. Yerlan Koshanov, Chairperson of the Mazhilis, on Kazakhstan’s 30th constitutional anniversary and proposed regular dialogue and knowledge-sharing between the two parliaments. He emphasized ongoing cooperation in sectors such as energy, security, and space.

Throughout his engagements, Shri Birla reiterated India’s guiding principles of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and “Sarvajan Hitaya” (For the Welfare of All), underscoring their relevance in international cooperation and India’s constitutional values.

The visit has been hailed as a significant step in strengthening India’s parliamentary ties and strategic partnerships across Central Asia and beyond.