New Delhi, 16 January (H.S.): Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, held a warm and substantive meeting on Friday with Lord McFall of Alcluith PC, the Lord Speaker of the UK House of Lords, at Parliament House. The interaction occurred on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), hosted by India from January 14 to 16.

Welcoming the Lord Speaker to the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President expressed delight at his participation, noting that it underscored the enduring friendship and robust parliamentary bonds between India and the United Kingdom. He anticipated a productive and enriching visit, providing opportunities to immerse in India's parliamentary traditions, culture, and democratic ethos.

The Vice President reflected on the deep, centuries-old history shared by India and the UK, including parliamentary traditions rooted in the Westminster model. He observed that India's system has evolved organically to embody the nation's unique democratic character while drawing inspiration from these foundations.

Emphasizing shared democratic values, he stressed the mutual commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary privilege, and robust oversight of the executive. In the Indian context, the Vice President highlighted the critical role of responsible freedom of speech, cautioning against its misuse for disruptive purposes. These principles, he added, lay a strong groundwork for mutual learning between the two parliaments.

Parliamentary diplomacy emerged as a key theme, with the Vice President positioning it as a cornerstone of Commonwealth relations. He reaffirmed India's dedication to delegation exchange programs and pointed to the country's extensive involvement in inter-parliamentary forums. He proposed exploring joint workshops, training initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms to deepen collaboration.

Turning to technological advancements, the Vice President noted how digital innovation has revolutionized global parliamentary operations. India has integrated e-parliament systems, live streaming, and digitized records into its processes. He expressed keen interest in the House of Lords' digital experiences, particularly in boosting accessibility, transparency, and public engagement.

Collaboration could extend to legislative drafting, committee deliberations, and citizen participation, offering tangible benefits for both nations.The Commonwealth, he remarked, serves as a vital platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, foster learning, and safeguard democratic norms.

Presiding officers, in particular, share the duty to ensure parliamentary democracy effectively serves all societal segments.

Looking ahead, the Vice President advocated for India-UK partnership on global priorities within parliamentary and multilateral arenas. These include advancing women's political participation, bolstering climate resilience via legislation, coordinating on education—especially higher education as soft power—and leveraging technology for inclusive, transparent, citizen-centric governance.

In conclusion, the Vice President reiterated India's unwavering commitment to shared democratic ideals, forming a solid basis for ongoing engagement. He voiced optimism that the visit would fortify bilateral ties and inspire collaborative models for the Commonwealth and beyond.

Harivansh Narayan singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, was also present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar