Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has highlighted the enduring relationship between India and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared democratic values and a mutual commitment to democracy. Speaking during his visit to London, Birla expressed optimism about further strengthening strategic relations between the two nations.
During his meeting with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, Birla emphasized the importance of collaboration to enhance parliamentary proceedings and build the capacity of Members of Parliament.
He said, “India and the UK share a long and deep relationship, united by our belief in democracy and democratic values. Discussions focused on improving parliamentary practices and fostering greater cooperation between the two legislatures.”
Birla praised Hoyle for recognizing India’s parliamentary innovations, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, which have been lauded internationally. He expressed hope that the ongoing exchanges between the two parliaments would further strengthen democratic processes and enhance accountability to the public.
Earlier in the day, Birla congratulated Hoyle on his re-election as Speaker and highlighted India’s status as the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. He also underlined India’s remarkable journey over the past 75 years, transforming into a rapidly growing economy and a potential global manufacturing hub under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Birla’s visit coincides with his chairing of the Standing Committee meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on January 10 in Guernsey. As host of the 28th CSPOC, scheduled to be held in India in 2026, Birla will engage with parliamentary counterparts from 52 nations.
During his discussions, Birla highlighted the Election Commission of India’s exemplary record of conducting free and fair elections, emphasizing the significant participation of women, which underscores the inclusiveness of India’s democratic process.
He also stressed the need for stronger parliamentary cooperation between India and the UK, advocating for more frequent interactions between youth and women parliamentarians of both countries.
Reflecting on the Constitution of India’s role in transformative socio-economic changes, Birla expressed confidence in India’s trajectory toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. He reiterated India’s commitment to global peace, stability, and its emergence as a leader in manufacturing and economic growth.
In a post on X, Birla shared his gratitude towards Lindsay Hoyle for hosting him at the Palace of Westminster, reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries. “India and the UK enjoy a special relationship based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a commitment to human dignity and the rule of law,” Birla wrote.
(Inputs from ANI)
