NEW DELHI: The bipartisan Parliamentary Friendship Groups of MPs recently announced by Lok Sabha received a hearty endorsement from PM Narendra Modi in his address to Israel’s Knesset, as he dwelt on the role it can play in strengthening ties at the level of legislatures between the two countries.Modi called for greater parliamentary interaction between the two democracies, making use of the parliamentary group headed by BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab which has been tasked with engaging with lawmakers from Israel.The idea of constituting such committees, 64 of which were announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, was seeded during Modi’s interaction with the MPs from multi-party delegations that were formed to convey India’s stand to the world after Operation Sindoor, as there was realisation at the highest levels in govt of the role they had played in projecting a bipartisan stand on the issue of national interest.Modi had then spoken about institutionalising the bipartisan platform, which finally culminated in 64 such groups being set up to foster ties with 61 countries and three blocs, including EU Parliament and Nordic nations.If the exercise, which is conventionally conducted with inputs from govt, reflected Parliament’s keenness to deepen exchanges with legislatures across the world to complement traditional diplomacy, its decidedly bipartisan composition has conveyed an attempt to build inter-party camaraderie amid rising acrimony between the ruling BJP-led NDA and opposition parties.The groups include the eight MPs, seven from Congress and one from CPM, who were suspended during the Budget session from Lok Sabha for their “unruly” protest.Birla himself is facing an Opposition notice for his removal from office, which is expected to be taken up on Mar 9 when Parliament reconvenes after a recess.Governing National Democratic Alliance MPs from the two Houses head 37 of these groups while others chair 27, including 10 from Congress and three each from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, three key opposition parties.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’AI Only Works With What Has Been Expressed So Far’: Prasoon Joshi Gets Candid At DNPA 2026India & Israel Sign Multiple MoUs On Agriculture & AI During PM Modi & Netanyahu’s Bilateral MeetIndian Navy’s New Hunter, INS Anjadip To Targets Submarines Close To CoastFair Pay, Consent, Online Safety: Ashwini Vaishnaw Draws Red Line For Digital Platforms’We Do See A Role, But..’: India Backs Trump’s Gaza Plan As Modi, Israel PM Discuss US-Iran Conflict‘India Essential To Middle East Future’: Israeli Prez Herzog Tells PM Modi, Lauds Economic Growth’UPI Will Be Used In Israel’: PM Modi After Key Meet With Netanyahu, Pushes India-Israel FTAI&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Sounds Big Alert On Cybercrime, Pushes Fair Revenue For CreatorsJamaat Chief Exposes Political Faultline In Bangladesh, Backs Yunus After President’s Big Charge’Owe India A Great Lot Of Debt’: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu Hails PM Modi During Joint Statement123PhotostoriesHoli 2026: How to make classic Malpua at home10 must-try Chicken snacks for Holi party at homeFrom red aalta to warrior-gold cuffs: Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding look screams maximalist groom energyDelhi’s 61-km road along with Najafgarh drain corridor to ease traffic and boost connectivityWorld’s 8 most stressful cities to live in and their biggest pressure pointsNot just the clothes! Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s heritage wedding jewellery has the internet talking1500 kg fake paneer and mawa seized in Ghaziabad: 8 smart alternatives for popular dishes for the Holi celebrationWhat sets luxury cars apart? 5 features you won’t find in economy modelsFrom admitting affairs with Russian women to regretting divorce with Melinda French Gates: 5 times Bill Gates regretted his decisions — And what they teach us about power and psychologyWalking at 12-3-30 for weight loss: Can this low-impact routine help you lose fat effectively?123Hot PicksNew Indian Railways reformsSaudi poultry import banGold rate todayBihar wedding shootIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingCandace OwensKayla NicoleMadison BeerJoel EmbiidVanessa BryantTony DungyDan MuseNHL Trade RumorsWWE Elimination Chamber 2026Ron Duguay
NEW DELHI: The bipartisan Parliamentary Friendship Groups of MPs recently announced by Lok Sabha received a hearty endorsement from PM Narendra Modi in his address to Israel’s Knesset, as he dwelt on the role it can play in strengthening ties at the level of legislatures between the two countries.Modi called for greater parliamentary interaction between the two democracies, making use of the parliamentary group headed by BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab which has been tasked with engaging with lawmakers from Israel.The idea of constituting such committees, 64 of which were announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, was seeded during Modi’s interaction with the MPs from multi-party delegations that were formed to convey India’s stand to the world after Operation Sindoor, as there was realisation at the highest levels in govt of the role they had played in projecting a bipartisan stand on the issue of national interest.Modi had then spoken about institutionalising the bipartisan platform, which finally culminated in 64 such groups being set up to foster ties with 61 countries and three blocs, including EU Parliament and Nordic nations.If the exercise, which is conventionally conducted with inputs from govt, reflected Parliament’s keenness to deepen exchanges with legislatures across the world to complement traditional diplomacy, its decidedly bipartisan composition has conveyed an attempt to build inter-party camaraderie amid rising acrimony between the ruling BJP-led NDA and opposition parties.The groups include the eight MPs, seven from Congress and one from CPM, who were suspended during the Budget session from Lok Sabha for their “unruly” protest.Birla himself is facing an Opposition notice for his removal from office, which is expected to be taken up on Mar 9 when Parliament reconvenes after a recess.Governing National Democratic Alliance MPs from the two Houses head 37 of these groups while others chair 27, including 10 from Congress and three each from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, three key opposition parties.
