Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla reaffirmed India’s trusted partnership with Madagascar during a meeting with a parliamentary delegation. He emphasized Madagascar’s role in regional stability and economic growth, highlighted humanitarian projects, and discussed democratic values. Mr. Justin Tokely expressed gratitude and interest in closer cooperation between the two nations.
On March 12, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla expressed India’s strong rapport with Madagascar during a meeting with a delegation led by President of the National Assembly H. E. Mr. Justin Tokely. He emphasized Madagascar’s importance as a crucial partner in the Indian Ocean region, aligning with India’s ‘SAGAR’ vision for regional security and economic growth. This partnership fortifies regional stability and fosters prosperity.
Shri Birla noted that the longstanding relationship between India and Madagascar is rooted in a rich history of trade, culture, and interaction. He highlighted India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, particularly during disasters, and mentioned various projects assisting Madagascar’s socio-economic development. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian Diaspora in enhancing bilateral relations, including the successful ‘Jaipur Foot Camp’ providing artificial limbs to the differently-abled.
Furthermore, Shri Birla discussed India’s democratic legacy, highlighting its status as the world’s largest democracy. He referenced the nation’s long history of democratic processes, with increasing voter turnout reaching 66% in the 2024 general elections, signaling robust public engagement in democratic systems. The Speaker also briefed the delegation on India’s parliamentary operations and the recent Budget Session.
In relation to capacity-building initiatives, he reiterated the importance of the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in enhancing Madagascar’s legislative framework through tailored training programs. He advocated for continual exchanges of parliamentary delegations to strengthen mutual understanding of processes and traditions between the two nations.
In response, H. E. Mr. Tokely expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by India and praised its economic growth and technological advancement. He outlined shared interests in agriculture, maritime security, health, and education, and he looked forward to enhancing economic cooperation, parliamentary collaboration, and cultural exchange between Madagascar and India.
The delegation participated in observing Lok Sabha proceedings, with Shri Birla formally welcoming them to the House, marking an important step in fostering bilateral relations.
In conclusion, the meeting between Shri Om Birla and the Malagasy delegation underscores the strong partnership between India and Madagascar, emphasizing mutual respect and collaborative growth. Their historical ties, commitment to humanitarian initiatives, and shared interests in various sectors highlight the significance of this relationship. The discussions on democracy, capacity building, and ongoing exchanges further solidify the foundation for future cooperation and development in the region.
Original Source: www.tripurastarnews.com
