Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday underscored the deep-rooted ties between India and Madagascar, describing the island nation as a cherished and reliable friend.
He reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering a strong partnership with Madagascar in its developmental journey, according to a statement from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
During a bilateral meeting with a parliamentary delegation from Madagascar, led by the President of the National Assembly, H.E. Justin Tokely, Birla highlighted India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).
He noted that Madagascar holds a pivotal position in India's maritime and regional security framework. According to the official statement, Birla emphasised that this partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and economic prosperity across the Indian Ocean region.
Birla acknowledged the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, which have endured for centuries through trade and mutual interaction.
He highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of supporting its neighbours in times of crisis, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.
He cited India’s proactive role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Madagascar, reaffirming India’s commitment to the socio-economic development of the nation.
The Speaker also recognised the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in Madagascar in strengthening bilateral relations.
He expressed his appreciation for the successful organisation of the first ‘Jaipur Foot Camp’ in Madagascar, where hundreds of differently-abled individuals received artificial limbs. He described the initiative as a testament to India's commitment to humanitarian efforts beyond its borders.
During discussions, Birla elaborated on India’s democratic heritage, calling it the “Mother of Democracy.” He stressed that democratic traditions have been deeply embedded in India’s cultural and spiritual ethos for thousands of years.
Referring to the country's electoral process, he highlighted the steady increase in voter participation since India's first general elections in 1952, culminating in a 66 per cent turnout in the 2024 elections.
He described this as a reflection of the growing trust and engagement of the Indian people in the democratic process.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also briefed the delegation on the functioning of the Indian Parliament and the significance of the Budget Session.
He referred to the capacity-building programmes offered by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) and expressed hope that these programmes would benefit the Parliament of Madagascar.
Birla suggested organising training sessions tailored to the specific needs and priorities of Madagascar’s parliamentarians and officials, further strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two nations.
He stressed that regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations would allow lawmakers to learn from one another’s legislative traditions and governance models. He extended an invitation for continued collaboration to enhance institutional knowledge and governance practices.
Justin Tokely, the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar, thanked Speaker Om Birla for the warm hospitality extended by the Indian Parliament. He praised India's economic growth and its leadership in technology.
He noted that Madagascar and India share common interests in agriculture, maritime security, health, and education and expressed his desire for closer economic cooperation, parliamentary exchanges, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The delegation, which arrived in India on Monday, also observed the proceedings of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Speaker Om Birla formally welcomed the delegation to the House, marking another step in the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy between India and Madagascar.
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