Deep Dive: India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla forms friendship groups with 64 nations; opposition MPs to lead many

India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to establish friendship groups with 64 nations represents a strategic expansion of parliamentary diplomacy, a practice where legislatures build direct channels with foreign counterparts to complement executive-led foreign policy. This move occurs in the context of India's growing global influence, where the world's largest democracy seeks to enhance its soft power through people-to-people and institutional connections. Historically, such groups have facilitated exchanges on trade, security, and cultural issues, providing a platform less constrained by governmental protocols. The inclusion of opposition MPs to lead many groups underscores a rare instance of cross-party collaboration in India's polarized political landscape, potentially mitigating domestic divisions in foreign affairs. From a geopolitical lens, these groups target a diverse set of 64 nations, likely spanning strategic partners in Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond, aligning with India's multi-alignment strategy amid US-China rivalry and regional tensions like those in the Indo-Pacific. Key actors include the Lok Sabha (India's lower house of parliament), Om Birla as its presiding officer, and opposition parties, whose leadership roles signal institutional maturity. Culturally, this resonates with India's tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), emphasizing relational diplomacy rooted in ancient philosophy, now adapted to modern multilateralism. Cross-border implications extend to enhanced legislative exchanges, potentially influencing bilateral agreements on migration, trade, and climate cooperation. Nations with economic ties to India, such as those in the Global South, stand to benefit from amplified voices in New Delhi, while Western partners gain insights into India's domestic politics. For global audiences, this illustrates how parliamentary friendship groups serve as low-stakes conduits for dialogue, fostering resilience against diplomatic freezes. The outlook suggests sustained momentum if these groups yield tangible outcomes like joint resolutions or visits, bolstering India's role in forums like the G20 and UN.