Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Madagascar’s Parliamentary Delegation, emphasizing India’s deep regard for Madagascar as a key ally and partner. He highlighted the historical ties, humanitarian assistance, and India’s democratic values while discussing future cooperation. Both nations expressed intentions for closer economic ties and collaborative capacity-building initiatives.
On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized India’s high regard for Madagascar, describing it as a cherished friend and reliable partner. This acknowledgment was made during a bilateral meeting with Madagascar’s Parliamentary Delegation led by President H.E. Justin Tokely. Birla noted that Madagascar is a key ally in the Indian Ocean, aligning with India’s “SAGAR” vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region, which enhances regional stability and economic prosperity.
Birla highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Madagascar, marked by centuries of trade, culture, and interactions. He shared that guided by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), India consistently offers aid during disasters and has actively contributed to Madagascar’s socio-economic development through various projects.
The Speaker noted the significant contributions of the Indian Diaspora in Madagascar, strengthening bilateral ties. He expressed satisfaction regarding the success of the first ‘Jaipur Foot Camp’ in Madagascar, where many differently-abled individuals received artificial limbs, enhancing their mobility.
Underlining India’s democratic values, Birla underscored that India, as the world’s oldest democracy, has a rich legacy of democratic institutions. He conveyed that democracy in India transcends governance, forming the cultural ethos of the nation. With voter turnout reaching nearly 66% during the 2024 elections, Birla pointed to the increasing civic engagement and trust in democratic processes.
The Speaker also informed the Madagascar delegation about the functioning of the Indian Parliament and its Budget Session process. He expressed hope that the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) could offer beneficial capacity-building programs for Madagascar’s lawmakers.
Birla suggested that ongoing exchanges between parliamentary delegations could facilitate knowledge sharing regarding legislative processes. In response, Justin Tokely thanked Birla for the invitation and hospitality, acknowledging India’s impressive economic growth and expressing desires for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, maritime security, education, and health between both nations.
The meeting between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Malagasy Parliamentary Delegation highlights the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Madagascar. India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and democratic values reinforces its partnership with Madagascar, positioning both countries for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. The discussions also opened avenues for future collaborations and training programs aimed at strengthening Madagascar’s parliamentary capacities.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
