Three Members of Parliament from Odisha, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, and Dr. Sasmit Patra, are set to join Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from April 5 to 9, 2025.
The delegation will represent India in a significant global dialogue focusing on social justice and development, a theme that resonates with India’s recent initiatives to address systemic inequalities.
The IPU, established in 1889, is a cornerstone of parliamentary diplomacy, bringing together parliamentarians from across the world to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development. This milestone 150th Assembly will see India taking a leadership role in discussions on pressing global issues. The General Debate will center on “Parliamentary action for social development and justice,” providing a platform for delegates to exchange ideas and strategize actionable solutions.
India’s participation comes on the heels of its First Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in New Delhi, where the focus was on extending social security to informal workers—a key concern for a country with a vast unorganized workforce. At the Tashkent Assembly, the Indian delegation is expected to highlight these efforts while contributing to broader conversations on sustainable development, including the impact of conflicts on global progress and the role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine.
The Assembly will also feature meetings of IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, and forums for women and young parliamentarians, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. Resolutions on critical topics, such as mitigating the long-term effects of armed conflicts on sustainable development, will be adopted, reinforcing the IPU’s commitment to global peace and equity.
For Odisha, the participation of its MPs underscores the state’s growing influence in national and international policy-making. Shri Mahtab, Smt. Sarangi, and Dr. Patra bring a wealth of experience to the table, representing diverse constituencies and perspectives from the region.
As the world grapples with challenges like inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, the 150th IPU Assembly in Tashkent offers a crucial opportunity for parliamentarians to collaborate and drive meaningful change. India’s leadership in this forum signals its commitment to shaping a more just and sustainable global future.
