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Gaurav Gogoi to Lead India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has nominated Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi as the President of the newly constituted India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha. The group, comprising 11 members from both Houses, is an informal forum designed to strengthen parliamentary engagement and bilateral ties between the two democracies. This move aligns with India's Act East Policy, emphasizing deeper cooperation with Southeast Asian nations across sectors like defence, trade, and maritime security. Gogoi will lead efforts to facilitate dialogue and legislative exchanges with Filipino lawmakers during the current Lok Sabha term.

Key Points: Gaurav Gogoi Heads India-Philippines Parliamentary Group

  • Gogoi appointed by Speaker Om Birla
  • Group aims to boost bilateral dialogue
  • Part of India's Act East Policy
  • Focus on defence, trade, and security
  • Informal forum for legislative cooperation
2 min read

Gaurav Gogoi nominated President of India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group

Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi appointed President of the India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group to strengthen bilateral ties.

"strengthen parliamentary-level engagement between the two countries - Lok Sabha Secretariat"

New Delhi, Feb 24

Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi has been nominated as the President of the India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha, officials said on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries and appointed senior Opposition leaders to head over a dozen of them. Each of these groups have 11 members, including those from the Rajya Sabha.

The communication, issued by the Conference and Protocol Branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, stated that a Parliamentary Friendship Group between India and the Philippines has been constituted for the current Lok Sabha term to strengthen parliamentary-level engagement between the two countries.

"In this connection, the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha is pleased to nominate you as the President of the India -Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group," the letter addressed to Gogoi said.

The letter, dated February 23, was issued by L.V. Ramana, Director, Conference and Protocol Branch, Lok Sabha Secretariat, and carries official reference number 35/04/2026/C&P.

Parliamentary Friendship Groups are informal forums formed within Parliament to promote bilateral ties, facilitate dialogue between legislators, and enhance mutual understanding on issues of common interest.

These groups often play a key role in strengthening people-to-people and institutional linkages alongside formal diplomatic engagements.

India and the Philippines share growing cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, maritime security, trade, education and cultural exchanges.

Parliamentary-level interaction is seen as an important component in further deepening bilateral relations between the two democracies.

The constitution of the India-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha reflects India's continued emphasis on expanding engagement with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East Policy.

As President of the Friendship Group, Gogoi is expected to lead parliamentary interactions, coordinate exchanges with Filipino lawmakers, and contribute to strengthening legislative cooperation between the two countries during the tenure of the current Lok Sabha.

Further details regarding the composition of the Friendship Group and its activities are expected to be announced by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in due course.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting appointment. Hope this group focuses on practical outcomes like boosting trade and creating more opportunities for Indian students and professionals in the Philippines. Parliamentary diplomacy is good, but let's see some tangible results.
S
Siddharth J
Strengthening ties with ASEAN nations is crucial. The Philippines and India share democratic values and face similar challenges. This friendship group can be a great platform for sharing legislative best practices. Good initiative by the Speaker.
A
Ananya R
While I appreciate the intent, I hope this isn't just another ceremonial post. We have so many friendship groups. I'd respectfully ask Mr. Gogoi to prioritize issues like collaboration in disaster management—both our countries face typhoons/cyclones—and healthcare.
V
Vikram M
Good move. The Philippines is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. People-to-people ties are already strong with many Filipinos working in India and vice-versa. This group should work to make travel, business, and cultural exchanges even easier. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Hope they also focus on educational exchanges and skill development. There's much to learn from each other. Also, promoting tourism between our beautiful countries would be wonderful! 🏖️⛰️

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