FICCI reconstitutes India - UK Forum of Parliamentarians to cement bilateral ties through a track two mode

Ahead of UK Prime Minister Theresa May's three-day visit to India from November six to eight, FICCI has reconstituted the India-UK Forum of Parliamentarians as an important initiative to cement bilateral ties through a track two mode.

Launched with the objective to strengthen Parliamentary diplomacy that binds India and the UK, the Forum brings together MPs across political ideologies, age group and gender. The Forum is Chaired by Rajya Sabha MP and scholar, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.

Welcoming the timely move, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe said "In the light of recent developments in Europe, the relevance of greater co-operation between India and Britain has greatly enhanced. Social and civilization values like Democracy, Universal fraternity, Open economy and Desire to engage for mutual benefit are common to both."

President FICCI Harshavardhan Neotia said that as India's national industry association, FICCI has a multi-pronged international outreach strategy. Through the India UK Forum of Parliamentarians, our endeavor is to supplement traditional channels of engagement by creating a track two dialogue process to build greater understanding between elected representatives of India and UK in a cordial atmosphere and a neutral platform. In the coming months, we look forward to rolling out a series of initiatives under the able guidance of Dr. Sahasra buddhe.

Under the Forum, FICCI plans to organize a series of policy dialogues on topics of critical significance to India and UK including the proposed FTA, post Brexit developments and deliberations on the India UK Strategic Partnership. An outbound delegation to UK is being planned for early 2017 to engage with the UK Parliament, diaspora and industry.

FICCI has similar bilateral Forums of Parliamentarians with strategic partner countries such as United States, Germany and Japan to facilitate a track two mechanism for wider exchange of views and experiences amongst elected representatives from India and their peers in other countries on bilateral and global issues, leadership and the institution of democracy.