- Meeting with UK House of Commons Speaker: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the parliaments of India and the UK, emphasizing their shared commitment to democracy and democratic values.
- Birla’s Remarks: He stated, “India and the UK have a long and deep relationship. Both countries believe in democracy and democratic values. We also share democratic values… How both countries can make their Parliamentary proceedings better and how MPs’ capacity building can be done.”
- AI Innovations: Birla highlighted the innovations in Artificial Intelligence made in the Indian Parliament, which were lauded by Speaker Hoyle, underscoring how India’s technological advancements could benefit the parliamentary process.
India’s Role as a Global Democracy
- India’s Vibrant Democracy: Birla described India as the world’s largest democracy, emphasizing its dynamic and evolving democratic system. He also mentioned India’s 75 years of democracy and the socio-economic progress made during that time.
- India’s Development: He noted that India is moving at a fast economic pace and is poised to become a major manufacturing hub. Birla also praised India’s efforts in global peace and stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Election Process: Birla praised India’s Election Commission (ECI) for its exemplary track record in conducting free, fair, and impartial elections, highlighting women’s participation as a sign of inclusivity in the electoral process.
Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)
- India’s Role in CSPOC: Birla is set to chair the Standing Committee of the CSPOC in Guernsey on January 10, where he will highlight India’s democratic journey and the transformative socio-economic changes brought by its Constitution. He emphasized India’s economic growth and global influence.
- India’s Future: Birla expressed hope that India would become a developed country by 2047, marking 100 years of independence.
Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation
- India-UK Parliamentary Relations: Birla called for more exchange of knowledge, best practices, and experiences between the two countries’ parliaments, particularly in terms of engaging youth and women parliamentarians.
- Bilateral Ties: Birla stressed the need for stronger bilateral ties through parliamentary diplomacy to benefit both nations, especially in strengthening democratic processes.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Birla’s visit to the UK and his interactions with Speaker Hoyle reflect a shared commitment between India and the UK to strengthen democratic values, parliamentary cooperation, and global peace. His engagements with the UK also underscore India’s growing influence and leadership in global governance.
The visit is expected to further bolster the strategic and diplomatic relationship between the two countries, providing a platform for continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing between their parliaments.