FRANCE IS ONE OF INDIA’S MOST TRUSTED AND FRIENDLY PARTNERS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

Lok Sabha Secretariat FRANCE IS ONE OF INDIA’S MOST TRUSTED

AND FRIENDLY PARTNERS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER NARI SHAKTI VANDAN ADHINIYAM REFLECTS INDIA’S COMMITMENT TO WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER USE OF AI AND TECHNOLOGY HAS BRIDGED THE GAP

BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND PARLIAMENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER FRANCE - INDIA INTER-PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP OF THE SENATE OF FRANCE CALLS ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Posted On: 15 APR 2026 4:40PM by PIB Delhi Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla, today described France as one of India’s most trusted and friendly partners, underscoring the deep-rooted and enduring ties between the two nations. He noted that the warm personal rapport between Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, Mr.

Emmanuel Macron, has provided a strong impetus to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations.

Shri Birla made these remarks while interacting with the visiting France - India Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Senate of France, which called on him at Parliament House today.

Recalling President Macron’s visit to India in February 2026, Shri Birla highlighted that the elevation of bilateral relations to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership” reflects the growing depth of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Appreciating the significant representation of women in the French Parliament, which stands at over 36 per cent, Shri Birla emphasized that India is also making sustained legislative and institutional efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance. He noted with satisfaction that women’s representation at the grassroots level, particularly in Panchayati Raj Institutions, has been highly encouraging.

Shri Birla further informed the delegation that the first Bill passed in the newly constructed Parliament House was the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women in elected legislative bodies. He underlined that this landmark legislation reflects India’s firm commitment to women-led development and inclusive governance.Referring to the AI Summits held in New Delhi (2026) and Paris (2025), Shri Birla observed that both India and France are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance parliamentary efficiency, transparency, and outreach. He remarked that the use of AI and digital tools has significantly bridged the gap between citizens and Parliament. In this context, he suggested greater collaboration and exchange of best practices between the legislatures of the two countries.

Shri Birla also expressed satisfaction at the regular and constructive dialogue between India and France at both diplomatic and parliamentary levels. He recalled the visit of an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to France after Operation Sindoor last year and appreciated France’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism during that period. He conveyed his gratitude to the members of the French delegation for their continued support and solidarity.

Highlighting that parliamentary cooperation forms a vital pillar of India–France relations; Shri Birla fondly recalled the visit of the Chairman of the French Senate, Mr. Gérard Larcher, to India in February 2024, which further strengthened inter-parliamentary engagement between the two nations.

Pleased to meet the delegation of the France–India Parliamentary Friendship Group at the Parliament House and engage with the distinguished members on strengthening bilateral ties and parliamentary cooperation.

Our discussions highlighted the strength of the India–France special… pic.twitter. com/I0vIM8mgDM — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) April 15, 2026 *** AM (Release ID: 2252247) Visitor Counter : 256

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