In a significant move to deepen legislative diplomacy, Gaurav Gogoi, Member of Parliament from Jorhat and Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, has been nominated as President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

• The group is part of a broader initiative led by Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, to constitute Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs).

Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) 

• They are formal platforms constituted by the Lok Sabha to enhance Parliament-to-Parliament engagement between India and other countries. 
• These groups bring together MPs from across political parties, reflecting India’s plural democratic ethos.
• Key Features
  • Constituted under the guidance of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
  • Headed by senior Members of Parliament from different parties.
  • Established with over 60 countries, including Sri Lanka, Germany, United States, Russia, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam and others.
  • Complement traditional executive diplomacy conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Objectives

• Facilitate direct dialogue between lawmakers of different countries.
• Share legislative experiences and best practices.
• Promote cooperation in trade, technology, social policy, education, culture and global governance issues.
• Strengthen mutual trust and people-to-people ties.

The 11-member group includes Members of Parliament from different political parties, reflecting India’s multi-party democratic character.

Exam Hook: 

With reference to Parliamentary Friendship Groups, consider the following statements:

1. They are constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
2. They aim to complement traditional diplomacy through legislative engagement.
3. They function as treaty-negotiating bodies under the Ministry of External Affairs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: The India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group highlights India’s growing use of democratic diplomacy to strengthen global partnerships.

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