24 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Parliamentary Groups Formed to Strengthen Legislative Ties Worldwide

Q: Why is India focusing on Parliamentary Friendship Groups NOW? What's changed?

Several factors: * Growing Importance of Parliamentary Diplomacy: Traditional diplomacy isn't always enough. These groups offer a more flexible channel. * Multi-Track Diplomacy: The rise of non-state actors means parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly important. * Need for Enhanced Soft Power: India seeks to build stronger relationships through non-coercive means. Key points: Growing Importance of Parliamentary Diplomacy: Traditional diplomacy isn't always enough. These groups offer a more flexible channel.. Multi-Track Diplomacy: The rise of non-state actors means parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly important.. Need for Enhanced Soft Power: India seeks to build stronger relationships through non-coercive means.

Q: If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' these groups, what negative aspects should I consider?

Consider these points: * Lack of Formal Power: These groups have limited direct impact on policy. * Potential for Misrepresentation: Views expressed might not reflect official government policy. * Resource Intensive: Maintaining 60+ groups requires significant resources and coordination. Key points: Lack of Formal Power: These groups have limited direct impact on policy.. Potential for Misrepresentation: Views expressed might not reflect official government policy.. Resource Intensive: Maintaining 60+ groups requires significant resources and coordination. Exam tip: When 'critically examining,' always present BOTH positive and negative aspects to show balanced understanding.

Q: How do these Parliamentary Friendship Groups connect to India's broader foreign policy goals?

These groups support India's foreign policy by: * Building Goodwill: Fostering positive relationships with other nations. * Promoting Trade and Investment: Creating opportunities for economic cooperation. * Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating on issues like climate change and terrorism. * Enhancing India's Soft Power: Projecting a positive image of India on the world stage. Key points: Building Goodwill: Fostering positive relationships with other nations.. Promoting Trade and Investment: Creating opportunities for economic cooperation.. Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating on issues like climate change and terrorism.. Enhancing India's Soft Power: Projecting a positive image of India on the world stage.

Lok Sabha Speaker constitutes Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 countries.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has established Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 countries to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and legislative dialogue. These groups include political leaders and aim to facilitate regular dialogue, exchange legislative practices, and foster cooperation on trade, technology, culture, and global challenges. The countries involved include Sri Lanka, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Maldives, the U.S., Russia, members of the European Parliament, South Korea, Nepal, the U.K., France, Japan, Italy, Australia, Greece, Singapore, Brazil, Vietnam, Mexico, Iran, and the UAE.

These Parliamentary Friendship Groups are designed to enhance understanding and goodwill between India and other nations through parliamentary diplomacy. By facilitating regular interactions and exchanges, these groups aim to create a platform for discussing issues of mutual interest and promoting cooperation across various sectors. The initiative reflects India's commitment to strengthening its relationships with countries worldwide through parliamentary channels.

This initiative is particularly relevant for India's foreign policy objectives and its engagement with the global community. It provides a structured framework for parliamentarians to engage in discussions on key issues, share best practices in legislation, and promote bilateral cooperation. This news is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in the International Relations section of GS Paper 2.

Key Facts

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla established Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

The groups involve over 60 countries.

The aim is to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The groups facilitate regular dialogue and exchange of legislative practices.

Cooperation extends to trade, technology, culture, and global challenges.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 - International Relations: Bilateral and multilateral relations, India's foreign policy

Role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping foreign policy

Significance of soft power in international relations

Potential questions on India's engagement with specific countries

In Simple Words

Think of Parliamentary Friendship Groups as clubs where politicians from different countries meet. They chat, share ideas about laws, and try to work together on things like trade and technology. It's like having international pen pals, but for governments.

India Angle

For India, this means our politicians are building bridges with other nations. This can help Indian businesses find new markets, allow us to learn from other countries' laws, and make India a stronger player on the world stage.

For Instance

Imagine your local community association forming a partnership with a similar group in another city. They exchange ideas on how to improve local services, like waste management or education. It's the same idea, but on a global scale.

These groups can lead to better trade deals, improved technology, and solutions to global problems. Ultimately, it can make your life better by creating a more stable and prosperous world.

Parliamentary Friendship Groups: Politicians making friends to make the world better.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has established Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 countries to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation and legislative dialogue. These groups include political leaders and aim to facilitate regular dialogue, exchange legislative practices, and foster cooperation on trade, technology, culture, and global challenges. Countries involved include Sri Lanka, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Maldives, the U.S., Russia, members of the European Parliament, South Korea, Nepal, the U.K., France, Japan, Italy, Australia, Greece, Singapore, Brazil, Vietnam, Mexico, Iran, and the UAE.

Expert Analysis

Parliamentary Friendship Groups represent a key tool in a nation's diplomatic arsenal, fostering goodwill and understanding through direct engagement between lawmakers. These groups, while not formal treaty organizations, play a crucial role in shaping international perceptions and advancing national interests through soft power.

The core concept here is Parliamentary Diplomacy. This involves using exchanges between parliamentarians to build trust, share legislative best practices, and address common challenges. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which is conducted by government executives and diplomats, parliamentary diplomacy brings elected representatives into the fold, adding a layer of democratic legitimacy and public engagement. The establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Groups by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with over 60 countries directly exemplifies this approach, aiming to enhance India's relationships through direct dialogue between legislators.

Another relevant concept is Bilateral Relations. These are the diplomatic, economic, and cultural connections between two countries. Parliamentary Friendship Groups serve as a mechanism to strengthen these relations by providing a platform for discussing issues of mutual interest and promoting cooperation across various sectors. The inclusion of countries like Sri Lanka, Germany, and the U.S. in these groups indicates India's strategic focus on enhancing bilateral ties with key partners across different regions.

Finally, the concept of Soft Power is crucial. This refers to the ability to influence other countries through attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion or payment. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and parliamentary dialogues are all tools of soft power. By fostering regular interactions and exchanges, these groups aim to create a positive image of India and promote its interests on the global stage. The initiative reflects India's commitment to strengthening its relationships with countries worldwide through parliamentary channels, enhancing its soft power projection.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the role of parliamentary diplomacy, bilateral relations, and soft power is essential, particularly for the International Relations section of GS Paper 2. Questions may arise on the mechanisms India uses to strengthen its foreign relations, the role of parliamentary bodies in foreign policy, and the effectiveness of soft power strategies.

Visual Insights

Parliamentary Friendship Groups: Global Reach

Map showing countries with which India has established Parliamentary Friendship Groups to strengthen legislative ties.

Loading interactive map...

📍Sri Lanka📍Germany📍New Zealand📍Switzerland📍South Africa📍Bhutan📍Saudi Arabia📍Israel📍Maldives📍United States📍Russia📍South Korea📍Nepal📍United Kingdom📍France📍Japan📍Italy📍Australia📍Greece📍Singapore📍Brazil📍Vietnam📍Mexico📍Iran📍United Arab Emirates

More Information

Background

Parliamentary Friendship Groups are not new, but their strategic importance has grown in recent years as nations seek to enhance diplomatic ties through non-traditional channels. These groups operate outside the formal framework of government-to-government negotiations, providing a more informal and flexible platform for dialogue. The rise of Parliamentary Diplomacy reflects a broader trend towards multi-track diplomacy, where non-state actors and parliamentarians play an increasingly important role in shaping international relations. This approach complements traditional diplomacy by fostering people-to-people connections and building trust at the grassroots level. The establishment of these groups by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla aligns with India's efforts to strengthen its global engagement through parliamentary channels. The Constitution of India empowers the Parliament to play a significant role in foreign policy, particularly through debates, discussions, and resolutions on international issues. While the executive branch primarily conducts foreign policy, parliamentary committees and groups can contribute to shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. These Friendship Groups can provide valuable insights and perspectives to the government on various international issues, enhancing the overall effectiveness of India's foreign policy.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for strengthening international relations. Several countries have established similar friendship groups to foster dialogue and cooperation with other nations. These groups often focus on specific areas of mutual interest, such as trade, technology, or climate change.

The Indian Parliament has been actively involved in promoting parliamentary diplomacy through various initiatives, including hosting international conferences, participating in parliamentary exchanges, and establishing friendship groups with other countries. These efforts reflect India's commitment to engaging with the global community and promoting its interests through parliamentary channels.

Looking ahead, it is expected that parliamentary diplomacy will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping international relations. As global challenges become more complex and interconnected, parliamentarians will have a crucial role to play in fostering dialogue, building consensus, and promoting cooperation across borders. The Parliamentary Friendship Groups established by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla are a significant step in this direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the most likely Prelims question they'd ask about these Parliamentary Friendship Groups, and what's the trick?

UPSC might ask you to match a country with its corresponding area of cooperation under these groups. For example, they might pair Israel with 'cultural exchange' (likely correct) or Saudi Arabia with 'technology transfer' (less likely, focus is more likely to be trade/investment).

Exam Tip

Remember to focus on the MOST LIKELY areas of cooperation based on the country's strengths and India's needs. Don't just memorize a list; think critically.

2. These groups sound similar to bilateral treaties. What's the key difference, and why does that difference matter?

Bilateral treaties are formal agreements between governments, legally binding and often involving significant commitments. Parliamentary Friendship Groups are informal, non-binding, and focus on dialogue and goodwill. This informality allows for quicker engagement and exploration of ideas without the constraints of formal diplomacy.

3. Why is India focusing on Parliamentary Friendship Groups NOW? What's changed?

Several factors: * Growing Importance of Parliamentary Diplomacy: Traditional diplomacy isn't always enough. These groups offer a more flexible channel. * Multi-Track Diplomacy: The rise of non-state actors means parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly important. * Need for Enhanced Soft Power: India seeks to build stronger relationships through non-coercive means.

•Growing Importance of Parliamentary Diplomacy: Traditional diplomacy isn't always enough. These groups offer a more flexible channel.
•Multi-Track Diplomacy: The rise of non-state actors means parliamentary diplomacy is increasingly important.
•Need for Enhanced Soft Power: India seeks to build stronger relationships through non-coercive means.

4. If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' these groups, what negative aspects should I consider?

Consider these points: * Lack of Formal Power: These groups have limited direct impact on policy. * Potential for Misrepresentation: Views expressed might not reflect official government policy. * Resource Intensive: Maintaining 60+ groups requires significant resources and coordination.

•Lack of Formal Power: These groups have limited direct impact on policy.
•Potential for Misrepresentation: Views expressed might not reflect official government policy.
•Resource Intensive: Maintaining 60+ groups requires significant resources and coordination.

Exam Tip

When 'critically examining,' always present BOTH positive and negative aspects to show balanced understanding.

5. How do these Parliamentary Friendship Groups connect to India's broader foreign policy goals?

These groups support India's foreign policy by: * Building Goodwill: Fostering positive relationships with other nations. * Promoting Trade and Investment: Creating opportunities for economic cooperation. * Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating on issues like climate change and terrorism. * Enhancing India's Soft Power: Projecting a positive image of India on the world stage.

•Building Goodwill: Fostering positive relationships with other nations.
•Promoting Trade and Investment: Creating opportunities for economic cooperation.
•Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating on issues like climate change and terrorism.
•Enhancing India's Soft Power: Projecting a positive image of India on the world stage.

6. Will this topic be more relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations) or GS Paper 3 (Economy/Security)?

Primarily GS Paper 2 (International Relations). While there are economic and security implications, the core focus is on strengthening diplomatic ties and inter-parliamentary cooperation, which falls squarely within the IR syllabus. Expect questions about India's soft power strategy or the role of parliamentary diplomacy.

Exam Tip

When preparing, focus on the countries involved, the objectives of the groups, and how this initiative fits into India's broader foreign policy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Parliamentary Friendship Groups: 1. They are formal treaty organizations established between countries. 2. They primarily focus on economic cooperation and trade agreements. 3. They aim to enhance understanding and goodwill through parliamentary diplomacy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Parliamentary Friendship Groups are informal platforms, not formal treaty organizations. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While they may discuss economic cooperation, their scope is broader, including cultural and technological exchanges. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The primary aim is to enhance understanding and goodwill through parliamentary diplomacy.

2. In the context of international relations, what is 'Parliamentary Diplomacy' primarily aimed at?

A.Negotiating formal treaties and agreements
B.Conducting military exercises with partner nations
C.Enhancing understanding and cooperation through parliamentarians
D.Imposing economic sanctions on non-compliant countries

Show Answer

Answer: C

Parliamentary Diplomacy focuses on enhancing understanding and cooperation through interactions between parliamentarians from different countries. This approach complements traditional diplomacy by fostering people-to-people connections and building trust at the grassroots level.

3. Which of the following countries is NOT explicitly mentioned as being part of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups established by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?

A.Sri Lanka
B.Germany
C.Canada
D.Japan

Show Answer

Answer: C

Sri Lanka, Germany, and Japan are explicitly mentioned as being part of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups. Canada is not mentioned in the provided summary.