New Delhi / Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla announced today that the Indian Parliament will soon constitute the India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The announcement was made during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by His Excellency Major General Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee. His Excellency met the Speaker in the Parliament House today.
Welcoming the delegation, Shri Birla emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy serves as an important bridge between nations, fostering deeper understanding, exchange of best practices, and stronger institutional cooperation. He called for regular dialogue between the parliamentary committees of both countries. Highlighting the centuries-old religious, cultural, and economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia, he noted that sustained high-level exchanges over the past decade have strengthened cooperation in defence, energy, capacity building and emerging strategic sectors.
Shri Birla appreciated the continued support extended by Saudi Arabia to the large Indian community residing there. He said that Indian expatriates have earned global respect through their hard work, discipline, and contributions to the Saudi economy. Referring to the growing popularity of Yoga in Saudi Arabia, Shri Birla added that such cultural exchanges deepen people-to-people connect. On global cooperation, he stressed that India and Saudi Arabia should work together at multilateral forums including G-20, P-20 and the IPU, and coordinate positions on shared global challenges. He underlined that the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, based on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, guides India’s global engagement, and the Parliament also follows this inclusive and collaborative approach.
He expressed confidence that the delegation’s visit will further strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations and promote cooperation across diverse sectors.
His Excellency Major General Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedy involving Indian Hajj pilgrims and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He reaffirmed the solidarity of the people of Saudi Arabia with India and stressed the importance of close cooperation at international platforms, including the G-20, IPU and other multilateral forums. He also expressed hope for a bright future for India–Saudi Arabia parliamentary relations.
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