Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, has been appointed Chairperson of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group. The initiative has been constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as part of efforts to strengthen India’s parliamentary engagement with other countries.
The development comes amid ongoing political tensions in Assam, where allegations have recently been raised by the state’s ruling BJP leadership against Gogoi.
Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress president and MP from Jorhat, has been appointed Chairperson of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The group aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between India and the Philippines through dialogue on governance, trade, security, and regional engagement.
Appointment Announced by Lok Sabha Speaker
The India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed under the 18th Lok Sabha. The initiative is part of a broader framework to establish structured parliamentary engagement platforms with various countries.
These friendship groups function as channels for dialogue between lawmakers and are considered instruments of parliamentary diplomacy.
Role and Mandate of the Friendship Group
The group is expected to facilitate interaction between Indian and Philippine legislators on issues including:
- Governance and institutional collaboration
- Trade and economic engagement
- Maritime security and defence
- Cultural and educational exchange
- Regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Such platforms are designed to complement official diplomatic efforts at the executive level.
Political Context in Assam
Gogoi’s appointment comes at a time of heightened political exchanges in Assam. The BJP government in the state, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has levelled allegations against Gogoi in recent weeks.
While the appointment pertains to parliamentary responsibilities at the national level, the development is likely to draw attention within Assam’s political landscape, particularly in Guwahati, the state’s political hub.
Why This Matters for Guwahati and Assam
Guwahati serves as the administrative and political centre of Assam, where major party decisions and state-level political developments often resonate.
As state Congress president, Gogoi’s new parliamentary role may influence discussions around Assam’s political positioning at the national stage, especially ahead of future electoral cycles.
What Happens Next?
The India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group is expected to begin formal engagements in due course. Details regarding upcoming meetings or exchanges have not yet been announced.
Gogoi will lead interactions with Philippine lawmakers as part of India’s broader parliamentary diplomacy framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who appointed Gaurav Gogoi as Chairperson of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group?
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted the group and appointed Gaurav Gogoi as its Chairperson.
Q2. What is the purpose of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group?
The group aims to enhance parliamentary cooperation between India and the Philippines through structured dialogue on governance, trade, security, and regional issues.
Q3. Why is this appointment significant for Assam?
As Assam Congress president, Gogoi’s appointment places a leader from the state in a key parliamentary diplomacy role, drawing attention within Assam’s political circles.
