India and Madagascar Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Parliamentary Exchange

Shri Birla underlined India’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), citing India’s proactive support to Madagascar during crises.

In a significant step towards reinforcing Indo-Malagasy ties, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today reiterated India's deep regard for Madagascar as a steadfast ally and reliable partner in its developmental journey. Emphasizing India's commitment to regional cooperation under the "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, Shri Birla highlighted Madagascar’s pivotal role in enhancing stability and fostering economic growth in the Indian Ocean region.

Shri Birla made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with a Parliamentary Delegation from Madagascar, led by the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar, H.E. Mr. Justin Tokely, at the Parliament House Premises. Stressing the historically strong relationship between the two nations, he noted that India and Madagascar share centuries-old ties rooted in trade, culture, and mutual collaboration.

Humanitarian Assistance and Development Cooperation

Shri Birla underlined India’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), citing India’s proactive support to Madagascar during crises. India’s aid initiatives have played a crucial role in the socio-economic development of Madagascar, demonstrating India’s dedication to mutual prosperity. He also lauded the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Madagascar, acknowledging their role in strengthening diplomatic and cultural bonds between the two countries.

A key highlight of India’s assistance was the recently held 'Jaipur Foot Camp' in Madagascar, which provided artificial limbs to hundreds of differently-abled individuals, reinforcing India’s humanitarian approach.

Democratic Traditions and Capacity-Building Cooperation

Shri Birla emphasized India’s enduring democratic traditions, describing the country as the 'Mother of Democracy.' He highlighted that India, as the world's largest democracy, has continuously fostered voter participation, culminating in an impressive 66% turnout in the 2024 general elections. He also briefed the delegation on the operational framework of the Indian Parliament, particularly the Budget Session proceedings.

Recognizing the importance of legislative capacity-building, Shri Birla expressed India's willingness to extend training opportunities to Madagascar’s parliamentarians through the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE). He emphasized that customized training programs could significantly benefit Madagascar’s lawmakers, fostering greater parliamentary cooperation and governance efficiency. Additionally, he advocated for regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations to facilitate the sharing of best legislative practices and traditions.

Madagascar’s Perspective on Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Expressing his gratitude for India’s warm hospitality, H.E. Mr. Justin Tokely praised India's remarkable economic growth and technological advancements. He underscored the shared interests of the two nations in sectors such as agriculture, maritime security, health, and education. Mr. Tokely also voiced his hopes for deeper economic, parliamentary, and cultural collaboration between India and Madagascar, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.

During their visit, the Malagasy delegation had the opportunity to observe Lok Sabha proceedings, gaining firsthand insights into India’s parliamentary procedures. Speaker Shri Om Birla warmly welcomed them to the Lok Sabha on behalf of the Members of the House, marking another milestone in fostering diplomatic goodwill.

The discussions and engagements during this high-level parliamentary visit reflect the shared aspirations of India and Madagascar to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple domains, setting a robust foundation for future partnerships.